FAQ – frequently asked questions and our answers
Your questions are welcome!
If you feel a question is missing, please let us know—ideally by email at support[at]themis-vertrauensstelle.de. This helps other people seeking advice. Thank you very much!
Target groups and counselling services – who can use our services?
Fundamentals of sexual harassment and discrimination
Who does Themis represent?
Our counselling centre sees itself as a mediator between the affected person and the employer in the cultural and media industries. We are the first point of contact for people who have experienced sexual harassment or violence. Our primary task is to support these individuals, listen to them, and provide guidance.
We do not take any action without the explicit consent of the person affected. With their consent, we may initiate communication with the employer. If requested, we can also act as a formal complainant towards the company. In doing so, we act impartially and neutrally.
I have experienced sexual harassment and/or violence at work in the cultural or media sector. How does the counselling process work?
Our counselling is provided by a team of psychologists and legal advisors. You can receive both legal and psychological support.
We do not share any information externally. All counselling is strictly confidential, free of charge, and can also be anonymous. See also: Counselling Process.
Do you advise people of all genders affected by sexual harassment?
Yes. We support (cis) women and men as well as trans*, inter*, and non-binary individuals. Under the AGG, sexual harassment is considered discrimination based on gender. The law protects all people—although those perceived as female are disproportionately affected.
Do you also advise witnesses or support persons?
Yes. Witnesses or individuals supporting someone affected by sexual harassment or violence in the cultural or media sector can also receive legal or psychological counselling from us. The counselling is strictly confidential and can be anonymous.
Do you also advise employers, managers, or hr/works council members?
Yes. Our services are also available to employers, managers, members of complaints bodies, and HR or works councils.
You can discuss specific incidents, reflect on your own challenges in handling such cases, or seek advice on effective preventive measures. Counselling is strictly confidential and can be anonymous.
We also support the development of broader strategies to address discrimination and sexual harassment within organisations. Depending on the scope, these prevention services may involve a fee. Please contact us via our request form for a non-binding offer.
Tailored training formats
Do you also support confidential advisors or equal opportunities officers?
Yes. Trusted persons and other confidential advisory roles can receive professional support, practical guidance, and legal and/or psychological counselling.
This includes clarifying your role, understanding responsibilities in AGG complaint procedures, as well as learning communication techniques and self-care strategies. Counselling is strictly confidential and can be anonymous.
Do you advise people accused of sexual harassment?
No. We provide counselling to individuals affected by sexual harassment. In line with our statutes, we do not advise persons accused of harassment.
Themis acts as a mediator between affected individuals and employers but does not provide mediation in the sense of victim-offender reconciliation.
People facing allegations are advised to contact their trade union, works council, or seek independent legal counsel.
https://www.toa-servicebuero.de/.
Counselling process
What happens in an initial consultation?
During our telephone consultation hours, a legal advisor or psychologist will be available to speak with you. They will listen carefully and take time to understand your situation and help you assess it.
Together, you will discuss possible next steps. Follow-up appointments (legal and/or psychological) can be arranged. If needed, we can refer you to external support services.
All steps are agreed with you—we do nothing without your explicit consent. You may remain anonymous if you wish.
How does legal counselling work?
Our legal advice is based on the AGG, which prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment, and violence in the workplace. Employers are obliged to protect their employees.
We will listen to your situation and explain possible legal options. Our goal is to enable you to make an informed decision about what is best for you.
For example, you may authorise us to file a complaint under the AGG on your behalf. If you wish to pursue criminal, civil, or social law claims, we will refer you to the appropriate bodies.
Do I have to file a complaint or report to the police?
No. Our role is to inform you about your options so you can make your own decision. There is no obligation to file a complaint or report.
All steps are voluntary and discussed with you. If you wish, we can support you in filing a complaint or refer you to appropriate legal channels.
How does psychological counselling work?
Our psychological counselling focuses on your needs and well-being. Our psychologists listen and support you in coping with the situation and making decisions.
We aim to build a trusting relationship and help stabilise and strengthen you. We may introduce techniques for grounding, setting boundaries, or relaxation, and inform you about possible psychological impacts.
If needed, we refer you to further psychosocial or therapeutic services. You can receive up to ten sessions. Please note: our counselling does not replace psychotherapy.
How do you protect me from negative consequences?
You can contact us anonymously. Even without knowing your identity, we can provide counselling.
Afterwards, you can weigh your options and decide how to proceed. If you choose to reveal your identity—for example, to file a complaint—you will not be alone. We support you throughout the process and remain by your side. Employers are often cooperative and benefit from this structured approach.
Reporting & confidentiality
Can I report incidents to make the accused person public?
No. We are a counselling centre, not an investigative or law enforcement body. Our role is to support affected individuals—not to conduct investigations or maintain lists of accused persons. We are neither legally authorised nor permitted under data protection law to do so. If desired, we can support individuals in pursuing formal channels, such as filing a complaint under the AGG. We also provide guidance and referrals for criminal complaints, civil protection orders, compensation claims, or social law matters. Our focus is on awareness, prevention, and structural change—not on punishment without due process.
Do you publicly accuse individuals?
No. As a confidential trust centre, we act as a discreet intermediary between affected persons and employers.
We do not share any information publicly—under any circumstances, and not even at the request of those affected.
What do you do about abuse of power?
Abuse of power is a structural issue that remains widespread in the cultural and media industries. It includes various forms of problematic behaviour, often by individuals in positions of authority.
Examples include:
- public humiliation
- verbal degradation and insults
- excessive work-related contact
- during personal time or illness
- assigning tasks outside job responsibilities
- systematic overworking and violation of rest periods
- coercion or physical violence
Abuse of power can be subtle or overt and may shape entire workplace cultures. Legal remedies are limited—only some forms are covered by law. We provide support when abuse of power is linked to sexual harassment or violence. As distinctions can be complex, we assess each case individually. If it falls outside our mandate, we will refer you to appropriate services.
Examples include:
- public humiliation
- verbal degradation and insults
- excessive work-related contact
- during personal time or illness
- assigning tasks outside job responsibilities
- systematic overworking and violation of rest periods
- coercion or physical violence
Abuse of power can be subtle or overt and may shape entire workplace cultures. Legal remedies are limited—only some forms are covered by law. We provide support when abuse of power is linked to sexual harassment or violence. As distinctions can be complex, we assess each case individually. If it falls outside our mandate, we will refer you to appropriate services.
Online counselling: first steps & registration
I’m new to Themis online counselling – what do I need to do?
Choose a username:
• at least 6 letters or numbers
• no spaces
• no special characters such as: ! ? $ @ § % # & . , : ; * ° ~ - _ + / = | ( ) < > [ ]
Create a password. It should include:
• at least 8 characters (letters and numbers)
• upper- and lowercase letters
• special characters: ! ? $ @ § % # & . , : ; * ° ~ - _ + / = | ( ) < > [ ]
• no spaces
You do not need to provide an email address. This allows you to remain completely anonymous.
However, you must be logged in to read our replies.
Only if you provide your email address, you can:
• reset your password
• receive email notifications when your advisor replies
• recover your username
• receive updates from us (e.g. schedule changes)
If you do not provide an email address, please make sure to store your username and password securely. If lost, they cannot be recovered. Please do not use an email address that others (e.g. your employer) can access.
• at least 6 letters or numbers
• no spaces
• no special characters such as: ! ? $ @ § % # & . , : ; * ° ~ - _ + / = | ( ) < > [ ]
Create a password. It should include:
• at least 8 characters (letters and numbers)
• upper- and lowercase letters
• special characters: ! ? $ @ § % # & . , : ; * ° ~ - _ + / = | ( ) < > [ ]
• no spaces
You do not need to provide an email address. This allows you to remain completely anonymous.
However, you must be logged in to read our replies.
Only if you provide your email address, you can:
• reset your password
• receive email notifications when your advisor replies
• recover your username
• receive updates from us (e.g. schedule changes)
If you do not provide an email address, please make sure to store your username and password securely. If lost, they cannot be recovered. Please do not use an email address that others (e.g. your employer) can access.
Do I have to provide my email address?
No, providing an email address is voluntary. However, if you would like to receive email notifications when we reply, it is required.
Otherwise, you can only read responses by logging in with your username and password.
Do I have to provide my name or place of residence?
No, you can remain completely anonymous. If you provide an email address during registration, it will be stored
Process & waiting times
How long does it take to receive a reply?
We aim to respond as quickly as possible. Usually, we reply within 48 hours from Monday to Friday.
During periods of high demand, responses may take longer. There is no entitlement to availability outside our counselling hours or within a specific timeframe.
We are not an emergency service. In urgent legal, medical, or psychological crises, please seek immediate professional help (e.g. legal counsel, medical or psychological support). See also: Emergency Situations.
Can I come in person for counselling?
Themis is a nationwide counselling service. Therefore, we mainly offer counselling via phone, chat, email, or video. In-person counselling in Berlin is possible, but only by prior appointment. Walk-in consultations are not available.
Is the counselling free of charge?
Yes, our counselling is completely free of charge. For more extensive support in developing prevention strategies (e.g. policies or workplace agreements), we are happy to provide a quote. Please contact us via our request form for a non-binding offer.
Tailored training formats.
Anonymity & data protection
Can someone find out that I used the online counselling service?
Please log out after each session (button at the top right). Keep your username and password secure (see: Technical Help & Account Management).
If you register with an email address, use a private one that no one else can access. We do not recommend using a work email address.
You can also delete your browsing history.
If you use a work computer, your employer may be able to see which websites you visited. Therefore, always use a private device (e.g. smartphone or personal computer).
Technical help and account management
Technical help & account management
I forgot my password – what can I do?
If you provided an email address:
• Request a new password. A temporary password will be sent to your email.
If you did not provide an email address:
• Register again with a new username and password.
• You can inform us during counselling that you had a previous account.
I’m having technical issues with login or the Aygonet system – what can I do?
If you experience technical difficulties, you can contact us: Kontaktmöglichkeiten
Please note: We cannot assume responsibility for technical disruptions that temporarily affect availability.
Please note: We cannot assume responsibility for technical disruptions that temporarily affect availability.
How can I store my login details securely?
Here are secure ways to store passwords — especially important if you did not provide an email address for the online counseling service:
Password managers (recommended!)
Tools such as Bitwarden or KeePass store passwords securely in encrypted form. We recommend open-source tools like these.https://bitwarden.com//de-de/oder KeePass! https://www.keepass.de/.
Physical storage (offline)
Write your username and password on paper and store them securely (e.g. in a safe).
Do not take photos or store them digitally!
Memory aids (for simpler passwords)
- Use mnemonic phrases (e.g. “I drink 3 cups of coffee in the morning!” → Id3cocitm!)
- Combine with numbers and special characters
Unsafe methods (avoid!)
• Unencrypted notes (emails, documents, phone notes)
• Browser storage (e.g. Chrome, Firefox)
• Post-its or visible notes
• Reusing the same password for multiple accounts
Important for online counselling:
• Without an email address, password recovery is not possible
• Store both username and password securely
• Tip: Use a password manager or secure physical storage
If you lose your password and did not provide an email:
• Register again with a new username
• Inform us about your previous account if you wish
Password managers (recommended!)
Tools such as Bitwarden or KeePass store passwords securely in encrypted form. We recommend open-source tools like these.https://bitwarden.com//de-de/oder KeePass! https://www.keepass.de/.
Physical storage (offline)
Write your username and password on paper and store them securely (e.g. in a safe).
Do not take photos or store them digitally!
Memory aids (for simpler passwords)
- Use mnemonic phrases (e.g. “I drink 3 cups of coffee in the morning!” → Id3cocitm!)
- Combine with numbers and special characters
Unsafe methods (avoid!)
• Unencrypted notes (emails, documents, phone notes)
• Browser storage (e.g. Chrome, Firefox)
• Post-its or visible notes
• Reusing the same password for multiple accounts
Important for online counselling:
• Without an email address, password recovery is not possible
• Store both username and password securely
• Tip: Use a password manager or secure physical storage
If you lose your password and did not provide an email:
• Register again with a new username
• Inform us about your previous account if you wish
How can I delete my account?
Go to the “Settings” section and select “Delete account”.
Once deleted, your login data (username and password) and all messages will be permanently and irreversibly removed. Data recovery is not possible.
Emergencies & further support services
I am in acute danger – what can I do?
In immediate danger:
Try to get yourself to safety.
Leave the room/location.
Do not hesitate to call the police if you do not know how to get out of the situation. Emergency number: 112
You can also use the emergency app "nora" to contact the fire brigade, police, and emergency medical services free of charge, day and night:
You can use it on your mobile phone.
You can send an emergency call without speaking. The app uses your phone’s location function and transmits your location, so help can reach you without you having to speak.
You can send a silent emergency call if you do not want anyone to notice that you are calling for help.
There is also a chat:https://www.nora-notruf.de/de-as/
Try to get yourself to safety.
Leave the room/location.
Do not hesitate to call the police if you do not know how to get out of the situation. Emergency number: 112
You can also use the emergency app "nora" to contact the fire brigade, police, and emergency medical services free of charge, day and night:
You can use it on your mobile phone.
You can send an emergency call without speaking. The app uses your phone’s location function and transmits your location, so help can reach you without you having to speak.
You can send a silent emergency call if you do not want anyone to notice that you are calling for help.
There is also a chat:https://www.nora-notruf.de/de-as/
I have just experienced a sexualized or physical assault, but I do not want the police to be involved. What can I do?
In an emergency, call an ambulance on: Emergency number: 112
You can also go to a forensic medical examination centre to have injuries documented in a legally secure way—without filing a police report. You will receive a forensic medical report, which can serve as important evidence if you decide to report the incident at a later time.You can find confidential evidence documentation centres via the online database: https://www.odabs.org/
If possible, seek legal advice before filing a criminal complaint. In most cases, a report cannot be withdrawn later.
Legal advisors experienced in representing survivors of violence can be found via:
https://www.nebenklage-verein.de/anwaeltinnen-finden/#anwalt
or:
https://www.brak.de/service/verbraucherinformationen/anwaltssuche/
In certain cases, legal representation costs may be covered by the state.
Who can help with other issues or outside Themis counselling hours?
Feedback & Anregungen
I would like to make a complaint – who can I contact?
For feedback or complaints regarding our counselling services, you can contact our Managing Director:
see contact page
see contact page