SOS
Do you urgently need help? If so, click on the relevant links.
- Help! I need a doctor or I need to go into hospital
- Help! I have toothache
- Help! I am being threatened – See under “Police” further down on this page.
- Help! I need a medicine
- Help! The condom has burst
- Help! I am pregnant – See under “Pregnant – what to do now?” further down on this page.“
- Help! What do I do during a search on my person or a raid – See under “Note: search on person/raid” further down on this page.
- Help! I have lost my passport – See under “What do you do if you have lost your passport?” further down on this page.“
When can the police help you?
The police will help you if you are a victim of violence, exploitation or human trafficking/forced prostitution. You will also be able to call the police if a colleague finds herself in such an emergency situation.
Tel. no. in case of emergency: 110
Help with violence
No-one may perpetrate violence against you! Any form of physical and mental violence is prohibited in Germany. As a sex worker, you could end up in dangerous situations, particularly if you work on the streets. No-one can force you to have sex by means of violence or threats. If you experience (sexualised) violence, you can notify the police.
If you would just like to talk about it first and get some advice, you can contact the Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt) staff or ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier). They will take a look at what further action can be taken together with you. You will also receive tips on how you can protect yourself against violence, regardless of where you work. Tips on how to work safely in prostitution
You can also call 116 016 anonymously and free of charge. Available 24/7. Support for women who have experienced or are currently experiencing violence. Startseite: Hilfetelefon.
Help with exploitation
No-one can be forced to be a sex worker or be financially exploited. Threats are also prohibited. Sex workers who experience violence and contact the police will receive help from them. If you have reason to support that violence is being perpetrated against sex workers, you can ask the police not to mention your name in the course of their enquiries.
If you would like to make a complaint or if you need help, contact the police.
Help with human trafficking or forced prostitution:
Not all sex workers want to work in this job; some are forced to do so. This is legally prohibited. If you are in this situation yourself, there are many options available to you. You can ask a colleague for help or you can call the police. You must not be ashamed or afraid. You can also find help at the Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt), at ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier) or women’s rights organisations such as Solwodi. They can protect yourself and your family.
There are also specialized counseling centers for human trafficking. You can find a list at KOK, the nationwide coordination network against human trafficking: Fachberatungsstellensuche | KOK gegen Menschenhandel.
Pregnant – what now?
If you become pregnant, this will be a big change in your life. This will particularly be the case if the pregnancy is unwanted.
If you believe that you could be pregnant, the Gesundheitsamt (‘Department of Public Health’) will be a good port of first call for you. You will yourself decide whether you wish to continue with or terminate an unwanted pregnancy. It is important that you contact an advice centre early. Employees in a pregnancy advice centre will be able to help make your decision. Advice will be provided free of charge.
pro familia and Diakonisches Werk (‘Social Welfare Association’) will be able to issue you with what is known as a certificate of consultation. Only if you have such a certificate of consultation may a doctor perform an abortion during the first twelve weeks of the pregnancy.
If you decide to have the child, you will be able to claim financial help. pro familia, Diakonisches Werk (‘Social Welfare Association’) and the Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen (SkF) (‘Catholic Women’s Welfare Service’)) will be able to provide you with further assistance. Note: The SkF will not be able to provide you with a certificate of consultation!
Regardless of what you decide, you will not be alone and you will be able to receive help!
Note: check on person/raid
What must you do and what must you say if you are subjected to a check on your person or a raid? And what is it better not to do or say?
The prostitution organisation Hydra has produced a Flyer on this topic. Here you will find the most important information so that you can know about your rights if you are in doubt and can act with confidence. Note: The information relates to Berlin, but also applies to Trier and the District of Trier-Saarburg in the same or a similar way.
What to do if you have lost your passport?
Your ID card is an important document. You will need it in all kinds of situations in Germany. For this reason, it is important that you take good care of your ID card and do not lose it. If you are not able to find your ID card, you should act quickly. Staff at the Department of Public Health (Gesundheitsamt) and ara (AIDS-Hilfe Trier) can help you and tell you what to do.