Psychological counseling
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Helpline - Advice and help for women
Telephone and online advice in 18 languages around the clock - help hotline "Violence against women":
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Psychological counseling
Sexualized discrimination and violence can affect anyone. It says little about the strength of those affected, but a lot about the will of the perpetrators. It is about power and control, which is sought in various ways. Sexualized transgressions are one of many forms.
Sexualized discrimination and violence takes place in different ways: It ranges from openly or subtly derogatory innuendos, jokes, depictions to stalking and physical assaults. Humiliating experiences affect self-confidence. Shocking transgressions throw the psychological balance out of kilter. Sexualized discrimination and violence can have a negative impact on health.
The offer of psychological counselling is intended to provide the opportunity to discuss what has been experienced in a protected environment, to stabilize oneself in order to distance oneself from attacks, to actively seek support and, if necessary, to be able to defend oneself.
The talks are free of charge and are subject to confidentiality. We are aware of the frequent intersectionality and thus the multiple ways in which people are affected by different forms of discrimination and take this into account when providing advice. If necessary, we can refer you to other specialist agencies. Counseling sessions are available in German and English.
Example of a consultation
- A victim reports to the conTakt advice center due to sexualized discrimination, e.g. by a student
- We record the incident as described in writing and provide support in the personal classification of the incident. The person affected releases the conTakt team and, if applicable, other persons from their duty of confidentiality and signs the data protection declaration. Anonymous counseling is also possible.
- Further counselling sessions on how to deal with and process the incident as well as on stabilization and prevention can be arranged on request. If necessary, we can provide initial legal advice on criminal law options or other specialist advice centres.
- Depending on the agreement with the person concerned, we will file the incident or examine possible steps for punishment and/or prevention. Maintaining confidentiality is our top priority. Further steps and measures will only be taken with the consent of the person concerned.
Procedure for conducting an official complaints procedure
If an official complaints procedure is carried out, the facts of the case will be investigated. In this case, anonymity can no longer be guaranteed.
The official complaints procedure consists of several stages and is structured as follows:
- Receipt of the official complaint,
- Investigation of the facts: gathering information from the parties involved, witnesses and superiors, inspection of the premises,
- Examination of the official complaint,
- Recommendations for intervention to protect the person concerned and/or against the accused person.