Bremen police advise inducing vomiting to disrupt sexual assaults

Police in the northern German city of Bremen have for over a decade included advice to induce vomiting as a method to interrupt attempted sexual assaults during workplace safety seminars. Franka Haedke, a spokeswoman for the Bremen police, stated that the guidance is part of broader self-defense instruction provided by the department’s Central Police Prevention unit.

Instructors teach participants that triggering a gag reflex, such as by placing a finger down the throat, can create a sense of disgust intended to disrupt an attacker’s actions. Haedke clarified that this is one option among many rather than a prescribed response, emphasizing that individuals should defend themselves with all available means in an emergency.

These seminars have been held for more than 10 years at various locations, including companies, government offices, medical facilities, and public transit agencies. The training covers danger recognition, de-escalation, bystander intervention, and specific conduct during an assault.