Everything you need to know about violence against the LGBTIQ+ community and reporting it to “MANEO”

Everything you need to know about violence against the LGBTIQ+ community and reporting to “MANEO” in Germany

Despite the significant progress Germany has made in protecting the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, people belonging to this group still face various forms of violence – physical, psychological and verbal. These attacks become especially dangerous when they occur in public spaces or in connection with coming out as to one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

What forms of violence against the LGBTIQ+ community exist?

• Physical assaults: such as beatings, pushing, kicking or targeted, organised attacks.

• Verbal violence: mockery, insults and threats.

• Institutional discrimination: denial of services, unequal access to jobs or discriminatory treatment in everyday interactions.

• Psychological violence: bullying, online hate and threats, or social exclusion.

The legal framework in Germany

The Constitution (Grundgesetz, GG)

• Article 1: Human dignity is inviolable.

• Article 3: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual orientation, among other grounds.

General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)
Protects individuals from discrimination in:

• employment,

• housing,

• services,

• education and training.

Criminal Code (StGB)

• Incitement to hatred (§ 130 StGB): punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment.

• Threats and bodily harm (§§ 223, 241 StGB): punishable by fines or imprisonment.

What is “MANEO”?

MANEO is a pioneering German project against violence targeting gay and other queer men, founded in Berlin. In practice, it is an important support structure for many people from the wider LGBTIQ+ community.

MANEO provides:

• Immediate support for victims,

• free legal and psychological counselling,

• a safe and confidential way to report incidents of violence.

How can you file a report with MANEO?

1. Direct contact

   • The MANEO emergency number is listed on its official website.

   • You can call directly if you need urgent help and support.

2. Online reporting

   • By filling out the confidential online reporting form on the official MANEO website.

   • You can describe the incident, including date, time, place and any supporting information or evidence.

3. Legal and social support

   • MANEO staff can accompany you when filing an official complaint with the police.

   • Long-term psychological support can also be arranged if needed.

Why is reporting so important?

• It helps document the actual extent of violence and hatred against the LGBTIQ+ community.

• It increases pressure on policymakers and law enforcement to improve protection.

• It gives victims the chance to assert their rights and rebuild trust in the legal system and society.

Other initiatives supporting the LGBTIQ+ community

• LSVD: The Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany, offering advice and legal support.

• Schwulenberatung Berlin: A specialised centre providing psychosocial and psychological counselling.

• Awareness and education programmes in schools and universities to combat hatred and violence.

Ongoing challenges

Despite existing laws, many attacks are never reported due to fear of stigma, outing or retaliation. This is why organisations like MANEO are so crucial: they offer a safe and confidential environment and empower those affected.

Conclusion

Violence against the LGBTIQ+ community is a serious crime and a direct attack on human dignity and freedom. Reporting and standing up against such acts is a shared responsibility. Remember: if you are a victim or a witness, you can rely on MANEO and other organisations— you are not alone, and the law and many people in society are on your side.

Key German terms

• LGBTIQ+: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and queer community

• Grundgesetz (GG): German Basic Law / constitution

• Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG): General Equal Treatment Act

• Volksverhetzung: incitement to hatred

• MANEO: project in Berlin supporting victims of violence against gay and queer men

---

The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details may still occur. The contents of this article are therefore intended as an initial reference only and do not replace binding information from official bodies. Please always contact the competent authorities for definitive guidance.