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laut*stark Campaign

(Vigorously confronting sexualized discrimination and violence.)

With its “laut*stark" campaign ('loud and strong'), Ƭ is taking a firm stand against all forms of sexualised discrimination and violence.

In so doing, the university is drawing attention to sexualised discrimination and violence, which is also being discussed more extensively at Ƭ in the context of the #MeToo debate, and making incidents of sexualised discrimination more visible.

As a consequence of this discussion, the Equal Opportunities Office and other university institutions have enhanced their work against sexualised discrimination and violence in order to provide more safety on campus, to stand up for those affected, and to expand counselling services.

Ƭ takes a firm stand against all forms of sexualised discrimination and violence.

We encourage and ask those affected by sexualised discrimination and violence, as well as witnesses and confidants, to report incidents and to make use of the support and counselling offered within and outside the university.

Forms of discrimination, courses of action and information

Sexualised discrimination is always an expression of violence and a crossing of boundaries that can be displayed in verbal, non-verbal, physical or virtual ways, e.g.:

  • “Catcalling”, sexually suggestive remarks and “jokes” about appearance, clothing, behaviour, private life
  • Derogatory comments with sexual content
  • Indiscreet “questioning” about lifestyle
  • Circulating, posting or displaying material with sexist or pornographic content
  • Repeated and persistent staring and stalking
  • Unwelcome verbal and physical advances, e.g. wolf whistling, “chatting up”, touching, harassment
  • Requests for sexual acts
  • Threats of violence, enforced sexual acts and coercion
  • Cyberbullying, e.g. harassing messages via mobile phones, in chats or by email

Sexualized discrimination does not mean mutual sexual interest or flirting entered into consensually or touching a person accidentally.

Each incident is different, and everyone reacts differently, so there is no standard advice on how to behave. Below you can find some alternative courses of action that have proven effective and that you can take accordingly depending on the situation:

  • Do not wait for the misconduct to end by itself.
  • Do not be afraid to act decisively and end the conversation – you do not owe it to anyone to talk to them!
  • Address the perpetrator directly, use clear words and gestures to label their misconduct and establish distinct boundaries.
  • Protest vigorously.
  • Do not let anything be taken out of your hands.
  • In an acute situation, call for help and ask for assistance from people nearby; the security services and staff at reception can also help you.
  • Stay alert and help people if you have the impression that they feel uncomfortable about a conversation or ostensible flirting.
  • Report incidents to Ƭ’s counselling services.

Take your own feelings, impressions and perceptions seriously and be conscious of the fact that you are not an isolated case nor are you to blame for others’ misconduct.

Sexualised discrimination is always an expression of violence and a crossing of boundaries that can be displayed in verbal, non-verbal, physical or virtual ways, e.g.:

  • “Catcalling”, sexually suggestive remarks and “jokes” about appearance, clothing, behaviour, private life
  • Derogatory comments with sexual content
  • Indiscreet “questioning” about lifestyle
  • Circulating, posting or displaying material with sexist or pornographic content
  • Repeated and persistent staring and stalking
  • Unwelcome verbal and physical advances, e.g. wolf whistling, “chatting up”, touching, harassment
  • Requests for sexual acts
  • Threats of violence, enforced sexual acts and coercion
  • Cyberbullying, e.g. harassing messages via mobile phones, in chats or by email

Sexualized discrimination does not mean mutual sexual interest or flirting entered into consensually or touching a person accidentally.

Each incident is different, and everyone reacts differently, so there is no standard advice on how to behave. Below you can find some alternative courses of action that have proven effective and that you can take accordingly depending on the situation:

  • Do not wait for the misconduct to end by itself.
  • Do not be afraid to act decisively and end the conversation – you do not owe it to anyone to talk to them!
  • Address the perpetrator directly, use clear words and gestures to label their misconduct and establish distinct boundaries.
  • Protest vigorously.
  • Do not let anything be taken out of your hands.
  • In an acute situation, call for help and ask for assistance from people nearby; the security services and staff at reception can also help you.
  • Stay alert and help people if you have the impression that they feel uncomfortable about a conversation or ostensible flirting.
  • Report incidents to Ƭ’s counselling services.

Take your own feelings, impressions and perceptions seriously and be conscious of the fact that you are not an isolated case nor are you to blame for others’ misconduct.

Counselling centres and support services

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Counselling services

Unfortunately, sexualised discrimination is still an everyday occurrence for many. The university encourages those affected to contact the specialised counselling services both within and outside Ƭ in the event of sexual harassment.


Support and confidential counselling, anonymous if preferred, are available at Ƭ, from the City of Frankfurt or from independent counselling centres. Ƭ works together with counselling centres specialised in dealing with sexual harassment.


The following contact persons advise those affected by sexualised discrimination and violence and can arrange referrals to counselling and support services. They also help the university to implement preventive measures against sexualised violence. Counselling is confidential and can also be anonymous if preferred.

Counselling for staff

Deputy Equal Opportunities Officer
Annemarie Eifler
Fon: +49 69 798-18123
Mail: annemarie.eifler@em.uni-frankfurt.de

Westend Campus, SKW-Building, Room 05.C106

Counselling for students

Anti-Discrimination Centre
Jana Arnold
Fon: +49 69798-18134
Mail: j.arnold@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Westend Campus, SKW-Building, Room 05.C114

Faculty Equal Opportunities Officers

In some faculties, the respective Equal Opportunities Officers or Counsellors offer a first, low-threshold point of contact and advice for those affected. The current list of Equal Opportunities Officers and Counsellors can be found here.

External services

Orange
Attention: In case of acute threat, please contact the police: 110!