"Never forget, a person works here."

A routine assignment, a consultation at the counter, a normal work meeting – and suddenly the situation escalates: firefighters are heckled, nurses are threatened, and traffic workers are attacked. For many people who provide services for the community on a daily basis, such assaults have become a sad reality. Statistics show a significant increase in insults, threats, and physical assaults on individuals in various service sectors: railway employees, emergency services, police officers, staff in government agencies, hospitals, schools, and utility companies – they all report an increasing level of everyday aggression that they encounter in their jobs. This development does not come without consequences: illnesses, high turnover, and staff shortages are direct repercussions that can affect public life and services.

With this exhibition, the DGB aims to make a statement: “Our society must not allow those who ensure our safety, health, and order to become targets,” says Dr. Matthias Richter-Steinke, regional secretary of the DGB region of Lower Saxony Central. The initiative seeks to spark public debates, hold employers accountable, and initiate concrete improvements.

District Administrator Dagmar Schulz emphasizes: “This is about people who deserve recognition and protection. Every assault, whether it is a derogatory word or even physical violence, affects not just an individual but the entire foundation of our coexistence. We must be aware that behind every job serving society stands a person – with hopes, worries, and a desire for respect. With this exhibition, we want to raise awareness but also encourage people to show civil courage and provide the support that employees in both the public and privatized sectors deserve.”

The exhibition can be visited until mid-February 2026 during the opening hours of the district office: Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. Admission is free.

The campaign is supported by the DGB and its member unions IG BAU, IG BCE, IG Metall, EVG, GdP, GEW, NGG, and ver.di.