The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior is getting an ombudsperson for questions of sexual harassment in the workplace. The new counselling service is aimed at all employees of the general interior administration. This includes, for example, the Ministry of the Interior, the four regional councils, the state’s IT service provider BITBW, the cyber security agency and the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
All members of the Baden-Württemberg police can also contact the lawyer of confidence. The counselling is confidential and free of charge. Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl (CDU) said: “Sexism and sexual harassment have no place in the administration and in the police: We say no to sexual transgressions in the workplace! Misconduct should not and must not be swept under the carpet or dismissed as a supposedly stupid saying.”
The task has been taken on by Melanie Freiin von Neubeck, a Stuttgart lawyer and specialist in criminal law. In addition to the employees affected by sexual harassment, the ombudsperson also advises the Equal Opportunities Officer, staff councillors or superiors on relevant issues. In addition, the ombudswoman will offer further training and lectures in the departments of the general internal administration and the police on the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace.