SAFE. Creating spaces that embrace diversity.
a project by Neues Tun e.V.
What is SAFE.?
SAFE. is a campaign with the aim to create safe places for everyone, places without racism or discrimination. Let's help each other to make the world a safer place. Creating diverse spaces, SAFE.
People are treated differently based on their origin, skin color, language, sexuality, or other characteristics.
Have you experienced or witnessed a situation like this?
Here's what you can do.
What can you do if you experience racism or discrimination ?
Try to remain calm even if you feel provoked or threatened.
Speak loudly so that others can hear you and help.
Create distance by addressing the person formally (German Sie instead of du) and loudly, so people will notice you don't know each other.
Address people directly to ask for help, e.g., "You with the grey hat, can you help?"
You can always call the police (110) if you need help. You can also report the person who threatened you to the police. But you don't have to!
Make a video or take a photo with your mobile phone if it is safe for you to do so. It can be used as evidence later. But remember: safety first! The other person could feel provoked. Never put yourself in danger!
Go to busy places or call someone if you are worried that someone might want to harm you. It often helps to have a familiar person on the phone who will talk to you until you are in a safe place.
In Germany you can also call the Heimwegtelefon, a hotline for people who don't feel safe on their way home. Someone will stay on the line with you until you reach your destination:
030-12074182, Sun-Thu 9 p.m. until midnight, Fri/Sat until 3 a.m.
Use a personal alarm. A loud noise can help attract the attention of others and scare off people who want to attack you.
Wherever you see the purple SAFE. sticker, there is someone who can help (during opening hours). There you can also find a telephone to call for help. For example, you can call friends, the police (telephone number: 110), or an ambulance (telephone number: 112).
What can you do after the attack?
Talk to people who saw the situation. Ask for their names, telephone numbers, and addresses. They can be named as witnesses if you want to report the incident to the police.
Are you injured? Have yourself checked by a doctor and document your injuries, e.g., with a photo!
Clothing or items that have been damaged can serve as evidence too. Keep them and give them to the police if you want to report the incident.
Write down what happened. This will help you explain everything later on:
What happened?
Where did it happen?
When did it happen?
Who was there?
What did the perpetrators look like?
Do you know their names?
Are you injured?
Was anything damaged?
Did anyone see it?
Your rights and support
No one should be alone.
Have you experienced racism and discrimination yourself? This can cause fear, sadness, or anger. It can help to talk to others about it. There are also counseling centers and support groups you can talk to. You can find some helpful addresses here:
You can always report the incident to the police (110) even if you do not know the name of the person who attacked you.
If you are under 18 and want to report a crime, a parent or guardian must accompany you when you file the report.
If you do not speak or understand German well enough, you will get help with filing the report. Just ask for help at the police station.
It is your decision whether you want to report a crime or not.
What can you do if you witness racism or discrimination?
Offer your help verbally and go to the person who needs help.
If the situation looks dangerous, ask other people for help.
Act quickly! The longer you wait, the more difficult a situation may become.
Speak loudly so that others can hear you.
Address people directly to ask for help, e.g., "You with the grey cap, can you help?"
Would you like to call the police? If possible, ask the affected person if that is okay!
Observe what is happening. Pay attention to the appearance, clothing, and faces of the perpetrators, but also to other witnesses.
Make a video or take a photo with your mobile phone if it is safe for you to do so. It can be used as evidence later. But remember: safety first! The other person could feel provoked. Never put yourself in danger!
Wherever you see the purple SAFE. sticker, there is someone who can help (during opening hours). There you can also find a telephone to call for help. For example, you can call friends, the police (telephone number: 110), or an ambulance (telephone number: 112).
What can you do after the assault?
There are counseling centers that can help the person deal with what they have experienced or that can provide help, for example if a person wants to file a complaint. You can find some helpful addresses here.
Stand up to racism and discrimination! No one should be mistreated, harassed, threatened, or harmed by others. And no one should be alone!
Together we are strong. Solidarity is stronger than hate and violence. Support each other as best you can and be part of SAFE. Together we can create diverse and safe spaces.
Offer support to the person affected even after the attack.
Talk to people who saw the assault. Ask for their names, telephone numbers, and addresses. They can be named as witnesses and help by telling what happened. For example, if the affected person reports the incident to the police.
If the person affected is injured, help them. Call emergency services if necessary. (112)
Does the person affected feel unsafe? Ask if they need support from you or someone else.
Give the person affected your contact details (name, telephone number, and address). You may be needed as a witness later.
Write down what happened so that you can explain everything later. Sometimes people decide to report an incident only some time after it has happened.
Where did the assault take place?
When did it happen?
What happened?
Who was there?
What did the attackers look like?
Do you know their names?
Was anyone injured?
Was anything damaged?
Did anyone else see anything?
