Violent future: Call for the International Day against Violence against Women

Violent future: Call for the International Day against Violence against Women

On November 25th, the world remembers women and girls who died violently and sends a strong message against violence. This International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, first adopted by the UN in 1999, particularly commemorates the Mirabal sisters, murdered in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Numerous demonstrations take place around the world on this day to draw attention to this global problem. The situation in this country is also alarming: According to Wochenblatt Reporter, every third woman experiences physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. In Germany, one in four women is affected by domestic violence, while in Europe one in three women will fall victim to these terrible acts in the course of their life.

The prevalence of violence against women is a pressing human rights violation. Every year tens of thousands of women become victims of violence - a fact that often receives too little public attention. In 2023, 180,715 women in Germany were victims of domestic violence, an increase of 5.6% compared to the previous year. The number of unreported cases remains alarmingly high because many of those affected do not talk about their experiences out of shame and fear. According to bpb, physical and mental injuries to women are widespread worldwide.

Campaigns and support options

In the Rhein-Neckar district, the district office will raise helpline flags to draw attention to the issue. This helpline, available around the clock on 116 016, offers anonymous support in 18 languages. Those affected are referred to local advice centers. In the Rhein-Neckar district there are several contact points that offer help not only to women but also to men who have experienced violence.

• Interventionsstelle bei häuslicher Gewalt – Lida: Diakonisches Werk, Heidelberg
• Gewaltambulanz: Institut für Rechts- und Verkehrsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
• Frauenberatungsstellen in Weinheim, Hockenheim, Wiesloch, Sinsheim und Eberbach

A new women's and children's shelter in the DRK Rose Family Center will open in Ilvesheim at the beginning of next year. Despite these initiatives, the capacity of women's shelters is often inadequate and many of those affected do not always have access to a safe place.

Social challenges and views

The high number of those affected shows that violence against women is a social problem that does not stop at social classes. Women with low formal education or family histories of violence are particularly at risk. In 2023, approximately 52,330 women and girls experienced violence, including 761 gang rapes. This frightening assessment clearly shows that the problem is complex and requires comprehensive measures to raise awareness and combat violence sustainably.

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, the political and social discussion about violence against women will continue to gain in importance. November 25th is increasingly seen as a day that should not only encourage reflection, but also initiate tangible measures. Only together can these challenges be addressed and the movements to combat violence against women sustainably strengthened.