What can you do as a queer refugee against violence and bullying?

Queer refugees who experience LGBTIQ* hostility are significantly more frequently affected by depression, stress and a lower level of life satisfaction. This tends to apply more to queer refugees in asylum centres. Queer refugees are therefore considered an especially vulnerable group in German asylum centres in accordance with the “Minimum Standards for the Protection of Refugees in Refugee Accommodation”. This makes it all the more important to press charges against perpetrators.

Charges – but against whom?

LGBTIQ* hostility can apply to almost any criminal offence. This can include:

Insult
Assault
Threats
Blackmail
Sexual coercion
Defamation/slander
Property damage

What are the consequences of pressing charges?

Everyone has the right to press criminal charges. This will result in criminal prosecution, which may end in a conviction. You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering in certain cases.

Every report is recorded statistically. This creates the necessary political pressure to improve the safety of LGBTIQ* people, as statistics demonstrate how severe the issue is. It is important to draw attention to LGBTIQ* hostility when making a report, as the perpetrators can be punished more severely for this.

How does counselling work?

You should seek counselling before making a report to the police. You can get advice locally, at an LGBTIQ* organisation (see e.g. https://www.queer-refugees.de/anlaufstellen/), by telephone or online. Many organisations offer free and confidential counselling. Counselling centres do not pass on personal information to the police or authorities. On request, the counselling centres also offer the option of receiving anonymous counselling.

Am I obliged to press charges after counselling?

No, you can get counselling at a counselling centre regardless of whether you decide to press charges. You can consider together with the counsellors whether it would be useful and helpful for you to press charges, but the decision is, of course, up to you. Most federal states now have specially trained police contacts for LGBTIQ* issues. You can find the contact details on the 100% Mensch website.

https://100mensch.de/zeig-sie-an/

Are you or is someone close to you experiencing LGBTIQ* hostility, discrimination or violence? You can report the incidents and seek counselling. If the situation is acutely dangerous, we advise you to call the police immediately.

Phone number 110

Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency

Here you can find information on the topic of discrimination, report cases and obtain legal advice.