Who do we advise?

Are you an affected individual, a witness, a trusted person, or an employer in need of advice about sexual harassment in the workplace? If so, Themis is here for you. Our team offers psychological guidance and legal advice based on the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). The AGG prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment, or violence in the workplace, and obligates employers to protect their employees from sexual harassment.

Here's how we proceed:

In an initial conversation, we discuss your reasons for coming to us. After that, we arrange more in-depth legal and/or psychological counselling sessions. All discussions are strictly confidential, and can even be conducted anonymously, upon request.

HOW TO REACH US

Phone consultation hours: 030 23 63 20 20
Mon, Wed, Thu: 10 am - 12 pm
Wed, Thu: 3 pm - 5 pm

Appointments by arrangement: 030 23 63 20 210
Mon-Fri: 10 am - 2 pm

Send us an email at: beratung@themis-vertrauensstelle.de

What we offer

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Legal advice

We provide legal advice based on the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). In our counselling sessions, we listen carefully to your situation and discuss it with you. We explain the legal steps you could take and aim to help you make an informed decision about the best course of action for you—with us by your side. You can, for example, get us to file a complaint under the AGG with your employer. We will also refer you to the appropriate authorities if you decide to begin a criminal procedure, claim social rights, or assert civil claims.
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Psychological counselling

Our psychological counselling focuses on what matters to you. Themis psychologists listen to you and prioritise your subjective wellbeing. Together, we work on helping you cope with the situation and make the right decisions for yourself. Our goal is to build a trusting relationship with you, providing stability and strength. We can teach you techniques for stabilisation, setting boundaries and relaxation, as well as educate you about the potential effects of sexual harassment. If needed, we can also refer you to other psychosocial and psychotherapeutic resources. You can come to us for up to 10 psychological counselling sessions.
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How a consultation with us works

Our counseling services are aimed at employees, employers, self-employed individuals, and students in the culture and media industry – both on and off stage. And this is how we proceed:

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Initial consultation

You arrange a counseling appointment with us by phone or email. Of course, you can also call during our telephone consultation hours and speak with us directly.
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Legal and psychological counseling

Depending on your concerns, one of our psychologists or lawyers will provide free advice. You are also welcome to have counseling sessions with both teams.
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Follow-up counseling

If needed, we will schedule follow-up appointments with your contact persons. Our goal is to support you as effectively as possible.

Limits of counselling

Our mandate is limited to sexual harassment and violence in the workplace. Due to legal reasons, our lawyers cannot represent you. We provide advice based on the AGG, which defines various grounds for discrimination, including:

  • Ethnic origin
  • Religion or belief
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Sexual identity
  • Gender

Our advisors consider your situation from an intersectional perspective, examining the possible intersections of discrimination factors. Our counselling requires at least one case of sexual harassment in the workplace, as mandated by our regulations.

Sexual harassment and violence are often subject to criminal law. For legal proceedings, such as pursuing compensation (civilly or through social compensation law or accident insurance), law enforcement agencies—police and prosecution authorities—are responsible. We can however provide initial legal guidance regarding criminal proceedings and compensation claims.

Our psychological counselling sessions do not replace psychotherapeutic treatment. If you need to address traumatic experiences, life circumstances, or mental health issues, we are happy to refer you to appropriate resources.

The AGG - Fighting Discrimination

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) has been in effect in Germany since 2006. It ensures protection against discrimination, for example, on the grounds of race, gender, religion, disability, or age. The AGG outlines the rights and obligations of employers and employees. For example, the application process must be free from discrimination, and existing employment relationships must also avoid discrimination.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment, as defined by the AGG, is unwanted, sexually determined behaviour that violates the dignity of the affected person. It can manifest verbally, non-verbally, digitally, or physically, and all forms are legally prohibited in the workplace.

Sexual harassment at work often involves power imbalances and may intersect with other forms of discrimination. Women, BIPoC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

  • Verbal: sexually suggestive jokes, intrusive and offensive comments
  • Non-verbal: leering, catcalling, exhibitionism
  • Digital: contact via messaging services, unwanted emails, images, voice recordings, or social media messages with sexual content
  • Physical: unwanted touching or physical violence

Why the arts and media industry?

The arts and media industry has unique conditions that facilitate sexual harassment.

Conditions favouring sexual harassment include:

  • Asymmetrical power dynamics and dependencies
  • Personal networks
  • Time and creative pressure
  • Project-based work and competition
  • physical proximity

Other resources

You can also seek help from these resources:

Questions?

Feel free to have a look at our FAQ for further information. If anything remains unclear, please don't hesitate to contact us via email.

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