The Antidiskriminierungsstelle Steiermark is an independent office who supports anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination due to skin colour, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation.  They act as an initial contact, offer counselling, legal expertise and monitoring center (all free services). If you feel discriminated against (in public, work, public transport, business, landlords etc) you can contact the Antidiskriminierungsstelle office in person, by telephone, writing or by email. The case will be recorded, information given about options for further action and advice provided by the competent bodies. If there is enough evidence, their team can assist you in preparing a legal case and also dealing with the police. Note that a criminal complaint must be filed with the responsible district administrative authority within 6 weeks. It is recommended to contact the Antidiskriminierungsstelle first, as they can accompany you to the police. It also helps to report cases quickly, for example if the incident occurred on the tram,  they can pull the video footage if it’s within 48 hours to use as evidence. Hate postings on social media can also be reported and subsequently investigated. In 2019 1,826 hate speech posts on social media were reported, 80% on facebook. 800 of these were forwarded for prosecution or deletion.  Even if a case can’t be investigated further, it’s always worth reporting as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle collects statistical data and monitors hate postings and hate crimes to give a record of the frequency and motives.  They also raise awareness through workshops, public compaigns and statements so reporting cases really helps give them a full picture!

They also have a great app – #Ban Hate which you can use to report hate postings or hate crimes quickly, easily and, above all, anonymously via smartphone or tablet. You’ll be directed to include screen shots and links for social media and details for hate crimes, including location pin and ability to upload photos or videos.Through the app you can also receive immediate help from the police as well as marking your location, plus support and counselling referrals after the incident and follow up on the progress of any investigation. Reporting incidents through the app also helps the Antidiskriminierungsstelle with their data collection.

Pestalozzistraße 59 / 3. Stock, 8010 Graz Mo, Di + Do 09.00 Uhr-17.00 Uhr  |  Fr 09.00 Uhr-14.00 Uhr

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