Until the "Day against Homophobia" on 17 May, we will be presenting people, projects and campaigns that are committed to fighting homophobia here on the blog. We talk to them and listen to their stories. They are diverse, colourful and exciting and show the many different faces this commitment can take.
Part 6: The safe number: Polizeiruf 110
Police officer Maria Tischbier gives tips on how to react to homophobic attacks
Many people have experienced homophobic abuse or even attacks or have heard of friends who have been subjected to this. But it is not always clear how best to behave in such a situation. Maria Tischbier is the contact person for same-sex lifestyles at the Berlin police. She gives tips on how to react and where to find help.
I'm walking down the street hand in hand with my friend. Suddenly a couple of teenagers start mobbing me. How should I behave now?
As a general rule, you should avoid situations with potential danger. Your gut feeling often tells you that the situation could be dangerous or unpleasant. You should follow your gut feeling, behave defensively and avoid the perpetrator(s). This can help to prevent the situation from escalating. You can go to places where there are people or call loudly for help.
You should pull the emergency brake on public transport and use the information pillar in railway stations.
Incidentally, the Berlin police also offer Events on violence and aggression in public spaces to.
But if I am attacked directly, so have no chance of avoiding it, what can I do? How can I defend myself?
If at all possible, keep your distance. If it is possible and help is needed immediately, always call the police on 110.
It is also important to draw attention to yourself loudly. So you should shout, scream, maybe some people have a whistle with them or something to make noise with. If other people are nearby, you should speak to them directly and ask them for help.
It is also important to address the offender loudly and clearly. This signals distance. This also allows outsiders to understand that this is not a dispute between acquaintances.
How can I perhaps de-escalate a situation? Are there any possibilities?
I should always call the emergency number 110. Even if I am a witness. If possible, you should speak to the victim, not the perpetrator. Shout to the victim from a distance that the police have been called.
You should not try to detain the perpetrator. Make a note of the perpetrator's direction of escape and personal description.
There are self-defence courses, but also things like irritant gas or stun guns ... What is allowed and what makes sense from your point of view?
We generally advise against self-armament. The consequences of self-arming can be very dangerous. Because I have a weapon, I can easily overestimate myself and then no longer avoid danger. In addition, the weapon can also be used against me. Experience shows that weapons tend to contribute to escalation.
Homophobia doesn't have to lead to a fight. It's often insults and discrimination shouted after them. When can I take it to the police? Or can you only help if violence is actually involved?
Physical violence is not a prerequisite for reporting an offence to the police. Any insult such as "gay pig" or "fucking dyke" can be reported to the police. If I am spat at, this can also fulfil the offence of assault.
There are generally three ways to report a crime: I can call the police emergency number 110, report it online or go directly to the nearest police station.
Interview: Tim Schomann
