Employees from the offices, service centres or teaching staff are often the first point of contact for people who have experienced discrimination. Usually, however, they do not have counselling skills.
We would like to motivate you to recognise your role as the first low-threshold point of contact for students or employees and to offer support to those affected by discrimination in the form of so-called referral advice.
What does referral advice mean?
Referral advice offers uncomplicated initial support for people who have experienced discrimination. It helps to clarify the concerns and the need for counselling to such an extent that a referral can be made to suitable specialist counselling centres.
Precise & concise
- Please take every complaint or request for help seriously
- Find a quiet place
- In specific situations, provide protection if necessary
- Listen and collect information about the situation
- Please refer to the LUH counselling centres
- Make initial contact with the counselling centre if necessary
Recommended actions
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I am asked for support - What should I do?
Those affected by discrimination can contact you directly in a specific situation, but also afterwards. Specifically naming a situation as discrimination or sexual harassment is a conscious and challenging decision for those affected. We therefore recommend: Please ensure that you communicate in a non-judgemental way! You are not there to judge or condemn. In terms of referral advise, your only task is to record the situation and take the complaint or request for help seriously.
If the persons are in acute danger, please offer protection or e.g. escort them out of the building. Remember that you can and should of course also call the police in dangerous situations.Helpful phrases:
- "What would you like to do? What support would you like from me?"
- "Please excuse me for interrupting you. You're already talking in depth right now. I am not a counsellor myself, but would like to help you find the right person to talk to. For the moment, please just tell me ...".
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Gather information
When gathering information about a situation, the following questions can be helpful:
- Who is involved?
- What happened?
- When did it happen?
- Where did it happen?
- Record the contact details of the person(s) if further action is required
You are also welcome to use our sample template for a memory log: Download memory log
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Refer to the LUH counselling centres
Once you have gathered information about the situation, you can better assess which counselling centre is suitable for the person concerned. Important: LUH's central counselling centres are closely networked - so if you make a ‘wrong’ referral, this is not a problem. We will direct the person seeking advice to the appropriate centre. You are also welcome to call us first to make sure who can offer the right support.
LUH counselling services
LUH offers a wide range of counselling services for students and employees. The central point of contact for experiences of discrimination or cases of sexual harassment is the Equal Opportunities Office: Protection against Discrimination & Sexual Harassment.
Further counselling options
Psychologisch-Therapeutische Beratung (ptb)
0511 762 3779
info@ptb.uni-hannover.de
www.ptb.uni-hannover.deDepartment 2 – Personnel and Legal Department
Please contact your respective administrator in the Personnel and Legal Department.Ombudsperson for Studies and Teaching
Online and on-site consultation hours
ombudsperson@studium.uni-hannover.de
Ombudsperson für Studium und Lehre
AStA
0511 762 5061
soziales@asta-hannover.de -
Use information materials
Take a stand and use the materials on protection against discrimination! By doing so, you contribute to a work and study climate that enables people to speak openly about their experiences of discrimination. At the same time, the materials will make it easier for you to provide referral advise.
We will of course be happy to send you our materials. Please contact us with the desired quantity:
beratung@chancenvielfalt.uni-hannover.deStop discrimination!
Protection against sexual harassment
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What does discrimination mean?
According to the German General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), discrimination means disadvantage, marginalisation, devaluation, (sexual) harassment or violence in connection with the following actual or presumed characteristics:
- Ethnic origin and racist attributions
- Gender and gender identity
- Religion/belief
- Disability/chronic illness
- Age
- Sexual identity
LUH clearly positions itself in accordance with the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG): Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at LUH. All members of LUH are called upon to be vigilant and committed to counteracting discrimination.
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Further information & food for thought
Effects of referral advice
As the first point of contact, you have a crucial role to play: you may be the first person they speak to. This makes it all the more important that you take every enquiry seriously and respond confidently. An initial appreciative contact in a challenging situation can already reassure those affected and have a positive effect on any subsequent conversations or the next situation.
If all members of LUH actively campaign against discrimination, take a clear stance on this and take every situation seriously, together we can create a climate in which discrimination is less likely to occur.
Self-reflection & privileges
Regular self-reflection and constant discourse about one's own privileges and prejudices are essential for creating an inclusive and respectful environment. Employees and students should regularly examine their own thought and behaviour patterns. This enables them to recognise, critically question and reduce unconscious prejudices.
