Abuse of power
The abuse of power is a problem for society as a whole and can be observed in many areas. However, hierarchical structures, fixed-term employment contracts and dependencies in scientific practice encourage this. The Netzwerk gegen Machtmissbrauch e.V. emphasizes that this is "particularly the case in academia, which is traditionally characterized by considerable power imbalances between superiors and other employees".
University management is also aware of this: in September 2023, the NRW Rectors' Conference (LRK NRW) pledged to take consistent action against the abuse of power and to expand prevention and counseling measures. In November 2023, the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) agreed to further develop measures against the abuse of power. Both resolutions are supported by the university management of TU Dortmund University.
What is abuse of power?
"Abuse of power occurs when a person exploits their own (power) position for individual interests and harms other people in their professional environment.
Beaufaÿs 2022:10
Abuse of power can occur through discrimination, sexualized violence, inappropriate exercise of authority, through gestures, verbally, psychologically or physically.
What is TU Dortmund University doing?
The issue of abuse of power has been dealt with intensively at TU Dortmund University for several years. Back in 2022, the Senate adopted the directive on protection against discrimination and sexualized violence. This policy commits the university to taking active action against abuse of power and describes counseling options and complaints procedures at TU Dortmund University. The establishment of the "Central Advice Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence (SchuDS)" was a direct consequence of the directive. By signing the LRK's voluntary commitment and the HRK 2023 resolution, TU Dortmund University reaffirmed its commitment to sensitizing employees and members to the issue of abuse of power and to establishing concepts for sanctions and comprehensive counseling and support services.
One example of prevention efforts is the supervision agreement adopted in 2023 as part of the principles of good doctoral supervision. It regulates the rights, obligations and distribution of tasks between doctoral candidates and supervisors. This makes it an important instrument for preventing abuse of power.
In addition, on the initiative of various stakeholders, the Rector founded the Abuse of Power Working Group, in which experts from research and teaching as well as contact persons from advice and contact points come together to exchange ideas and discuss possible solutions.
Where can I seek help?
Internal counseling
Help for members of TU Dortmund University who are affected by abuse of power is available in all counseling centers, from representatives and confidants as well as from the staff councils of TU Dortmund University and SchuDS (see also list below). The counseling services are free of charge. The ombudspersons for good academic practice are also a relevant point of contact for academics. They serve as contact persons for those who seek clarification on questions of good scientific practice or who wish to report a violation of the rules of good scientific practice - including abuse of power.
External advice
As part of the joint declaration of commitment by North Rhine-Westphalian universities to deal with abuse of power in academia, a central external and independent legal advice center was set up via the State Rectors' Conference (LRK). The service is aimed at all students and employees as well as internal university advice centers. Legal advice is confidential, independent and, if desired, anonymous. The contact point sees itself as a complementary instance that does not replace internal university structures, but rather takes over where these reach their limits. The lawyers can be contacted by telephone on 0221 973 128-53 and by email at inforechtsberatung-machtmissbrauchnrw.
Further information
TU Dortmund University's Complaints Management offers contact points in the departments and at central university level to which students can turn in the event of conflicts, complaints or suggestions for improvement in the area of teaching and studies.
Section 13 of the AGG gives university employees the right to complain to the department if they feel that they have been discriminated against by their employer, superiors, other employees or third parties for one of the reasons mentioned in connection with their employment relationship.
Are you an employee of TU Dortmund University and would like to report a case in which you feel you have been disadvantaged in the above sense? Please contact the TU Dortmund University Complaints Office:
The staff of the Equal Opportunities Office implement projects that promote gender equality at TU Dortmund University and make the topic visible to university members.
The principles of good scientific practice are essentially expressed in the fact that scientists continuously check the accuracy of the methods and results of their own scientific work. The principles include every scientist practicing honesty towards themselves as well as towards the scientific and non-scientific public in all aspects of their scientific activities.
The NiWi PR represents the interests of non-scientific staff at TU Dortmund University. As an elected body, it actively campaigns for their interests.
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We represent the interests of academic and artistic staff at TU Dortmund University. As a committee elected by you, we actively support your interests.
The Legal Advice Center offers independent and cross-university legal advice. It supports those affected and internal university departments with the legal classification of incidents and with questions about possible reporting and complaint channels.
The Equal Opportunities, Family and Diversity Office strengthens the culture of diversity at TU Dortmund University. It develops, implements and supports strategies, instruments and measures to improve equal opportunities and family friendliness.
The team at the Central Advice Centre for Protection against Discrimination and Sexualized Violence provides advice in person on site, by telephone, by e-mail or via Zoom.