Red benches in Aichach: A strong sign against domestic violence!

Red benches in Aichach: A strong sign against domestic violence!

A strong signal against domestic violence was sent in Aichach: On December 1, 2025, two red benches were inaugurated, which now stand in front of the district office and the family support center. This initiative, which began as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, aims to draw attention to a pressing issue. “The idea originally comes from Italy, from the so-called ‘Panchina Rossa’,” explains Julia Baur, who was significantly involved in the implementation. Together with the district, fundraising was organized for the inauguration of the benches, which were lovingly handcrafted by a team of craftsmen led by Ralf Dippel Danube Courier reported.

But why are these benches so important? They not only serve as a visual symbol, but are also intended as information points. There are signs on them that present the nationwide helpline “Violence against Women” with the telephone number 08000/11 60 16. The service is anonymous, free of charge and available around the clock. There are also special compartments in the benches that contain flyers with further offers of help. This “Red Bank” is intended primarily to provide low-threshold information for those affected who often do not know where they can find help.

Making domestic violence visible

The initiative in the Aichach-Friedberg district aims to make domestic violence more visible. In Germany, around one in three women and one in four women are victims of physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives, as the federal government explains in its situation report. Domestic violence affects people of all social classes and ages, with women being the main victims. The numbers of misogynistic crimes are particularly alarming, according to information from Federal Ministry for Family stagnate or even rise.

Initiatives such as the red benches and the recently launched orange benches in the Rhein-Sieg district are groundbreaking. These not only focus on visibility, but also promote the exchange of help and support options. “No love without respect,” for example, is emblazoned on a bench in Königswinter that was made by students. Such actions are part of a broader movement that also finds support in other cities and communities and represent a significant contribution to raising awareness.

Together against violence

The red benches in Aichach are therefore more than just a decorative element. They are a step towards solidarity and concrete help for women who often suffer under the radar. Whether physical attacks, threats or psychological violence – the range of violent acts is large, and the number of unreported cases is even higher because many incidents go unreported. Every single initiative that addresses this issue can help break the silence and give others the courage to seek help.

With over 171,000 victims of intimate partner violence in Germany in 2024, action is required. The Red Benches in Aichach make it clear that they will not look the other way and they invite everyone to take part in this important discussion. The goal is to raise awareness and change behavior, because violence against women, in whatever form, must have no place in our society.