What is discrimination?

We speak of discrimination when disadvantages, exclusion or harassment occur because of fundamental affiliations or attributions. These include, for example: anti-Semitic attributions, external appearance, disability and chronic illnesses, care responsibilities, gender and gender identity, weight, age, racist attributions, religion and ideology, sexual identity, social status.

  • Racist attributions
  • language and origin
  • Sexual Identity
  • age and gender
  • religion and worldview
  • Physical, mental and emotional abilities
  • Home & Living
  • Education
  • work
  • public transport
  • offices and authorities
  • police and judiciary

Discrimination is widespread in Germany. In a survey conducted by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, almost one in three people said they had been disadvantaged in the last two years.

Not everything that people perceive or consider to be discrimination is also discrimination in the legal sense. Article 3, Paragraph 3 of the Basic Law prohibits discrimination by the state on the basis of certain “characteristics”.

For the area of ​​work and access to goods and services, i.e. everyday business, the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)It defines more precisely what discrimination is and what rights the affected persons have. However, the AGG does not apply to other areas of life and only provides protection in relation to certain “characteristics”.

But anti-discrimination counseling is about more than just rights and laws. It also provides advice and support when there is no legally relevant discrimination.

anti-discrimination advice

But anti-discrimination counseling is about more than just rights and laws. It also provides advice and support when there is no legal discrimination.

Have I experienced discrimination?

Was the apartment really already taken?

Can I be asked about my parents' origins in a job interview?

After a disability?

According to my sexual identity?

If a younger (white, male read) person also did not receive the benefit?

Was there rejection in that look?

Am I perhaps too sensitive?

It is sometimes not easy to answer whether a situation is “already” discrimination. Sometimes important information or clear evidence is missing. Sometimes there is uncertainty about what is allowed, or there is a vague feeling that a line has been crossed.

Questions, uncertainties and doubts also have their place in counseling. In conversation with the counselor, those seeking advice can gain clarity - about their own understanding of discrimination, about technical definitions and legal regulations. It can strengthen their stance and provide arguments. Through research, testing or even obtaining a statement, the background to an action/decision can become clearer.

What is anti-discrimination counseling?

Qualified support for those affected: strengthening and enforcing rights

Anti-discrimination counseling is a support service for those affected by discrimination. Based on professional standards, it offers a safe space for dealing with experiences of discrimination and accompanies those seeking advice in taking concrete steps to assert their right to equal treatment and respect. Psychosocial, legal, political and social science aspects are included.

Driving force for change: reducing discrimination in institutions and structures

Based on work in specific individual cases, anti-discrimination advice provides impetus for institutional and structural changes. Discriminatory practices are made visible and addressed, and awareness-raising and change processes in companies, organizations and administrations are supported.

Specialist office for discrimination as a cross-cutting issue: raising awareness of regulatory structures and central nodes in referral networks

Discrimination and experiences of discrimination are a cross-cutting issue in social and human rights work. Anti-discrimination counseling brings professional expertise into the counseling services provided by child and youth welfare services, creates networks and undertakes topic-specific counseling work.

Why is specialized consulting necessary?

Specialized counseling and support services are necessary because discrimination can quickly overwhelm those affected. They have to deal with experiences of injury and violence, often fight against resistance and are also confronted with power inequalities. In addition, most people do not know their rights and fear negative consequences if they speak out about discrimination. Dealing with discrimination is complex and labor-intensive and requires a wide range of specialized skills.

How does anti-discrimination counseling work?

The German Anti-Discrimination Association (advd) has summarised and explained the technical principles of anti-discrimination counselling in the following publications:

Key points paper of the Anti-Discrimination Association Germany (advd)

Standards for qualified anti-discrimination advice. Third edition 2015.

Read more

Anti-discrimination advice in practice.

The standards for qualified anti-discrimination advice spelled out. Second edition 2015.

Read more

implementing anti-discrimination advice

10 questions and answers

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The following principles guide anti-discrimination counseling

partiality

The counselors are on the side of those seeking advice. They represent their perspective and their interests.

confidentiality

The counselors do not do anything without the consent of those affected and do not pass on any information.

Independency

The advice centers work independently. They are not a state organization or authority.

expertise

The consultants ensure their professional competence through qualifications as well as regular further training, (self-)reflection and professional exchange.

Multilingual support

If necessary, the consultants will endeavour to arrange professional interpretation.

anonymity

If requested, those seeking advice will be advised anonymously.

free of charge

The consultation does not cost any money.

How does a consultation work?

Anti-discrimination counselling is a support service that focuses on the experiences and expectations of those seeking advice.

A consultation usually begins with a conversation lasting about an hour, during which the person seeking advice can explain in detail what happened and what their concerns are. They can ask their questions and agree on the next steps with the counselor.

  • listen.
  • discuss with those seeking advice what they can and want to do.
  • will act on your behalf upon request.
  • Support in the emotional processing of discrimination
  • Information about possible rights and intervention options
  • Writing letters of complaint
  • decision-making aids for further action
  • Support in finding lawyers
  • accompaniment to discussions
  • Preparation and follow-up of court proceedings and support for
    court dates
  • guardianship according to § 23 AGG
  • Advice on financial support (advisory assistance,
    legal aid)

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