“We want everyone to feel as safe as possible on campus and welcome tips about areas where e.g. lighting needs to be improved,” says Patrick Nau, Section Head – Facility and Security Services at HHU. You can contact the University Security Service on +49 211 81-11666. University Hospital Düsseldorf also has a security service: tel. +49 211 81-17300. In addition, you can reach the Hazardous Incidents Office around the clock on +49 211 81-13333.
Unfortunately, there has recently been an increase in thefts on campus – both during the day and in the evening. The university management is therefore calling for increased vigilance.
The Central Equal Opportunities Officer also offers various information, incl. guidelines on dealing with sexualised discrimination and violence, and has created a handy safety card, which lists important numbers.
Tips for emergencies
Self-defence – a skill, which everyone should practice regularly. Michelle Mommertz from the Equal Opportunities Office is a self-defence trainer and offers a (currently fully booked) course (German only) for the university sports association. She summarises the key points here: “It’s a myth that holding your keys fanned out in your hand works as a weapon. You will only injure yourself that way and, if you should drop your keys, it can be difficult to retrieve them. An umbrella or a bag are better than keys or pepper spray – they offer a bigger surface area, meaning it is easier to strike someone and keep any approaching attacker at a distance,” says Mommertz.
The expert also recommends that you do not wear headphones when walking through areas where you do not have a clear overview of your surroundings in order to ensure that all your senses are alert. If you feel uncomfortable, you should not be afraid to do something, which may seem embarrassing: “If anyone approaches you too closely, it’s better to shout ‘go away!’ and ask others for help than to wait too long. It’s also important to make it clear to any other people in the vicinity that you do not know the person approaching you.”
It is also important in general to remain alert. In order to prevent theft, the doors of the public buildings should not be left open, particularly after 8 p.m. Basement and laboratory areas should also be properly locked.