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Digital violence in the Höxter district: Alarming increase in attacks
In the Höxter district, counseling centers are increasingly supporting women with digital violence. The numbers are increasing and necessary measures are being discussed.
Digital violence in the Höxter district: Alarming increase in attacks
In recent years, the AWO women's advice center in the Höxter district has recorded a worrying increase in inquiries about digital violence. Around 1,300 women have sought support in the past ten years, and around 500 counseling sessions are added every year, according to reports NW.de. The facility, founded in 2015, has established itself as a central point of contact for women suffering from violence, be it domestic or digital.
The topics that are addressed during the consultations are diverse. They range from domestic violence and stalking to rape and sexual harassment to the increasingly common cases of digital violence. This form of violence, reinforced by modern information and communication technologies (ICT), is not just a theoretical threat. As the Federal Agency for Civic Education explains, digital violence, such as cyberbullying or cyberstalking, can quickly turn into analogue violence and often has serious, real consequences for those affected bpb.de.
Digital violence on the rise
The advice center has recorded an alarming increase in digital violence, which is often carried out by (ex-)partners or unrequited admirers. This type of violence is increasingly recognized as a serious problem. Reasons for this include hate speech, doxing and cyberharassment, which can put a massive strain on those affected in their everyday lives. Women who have already been subjected to physical violence are often also targets of digital attacks, which for many represents a quadruple burden.
In addition, the women's advice center has established cooperation with the district police authority in Höxter in recent months in order to be able to provide the women affected with even more effective help. Professional support is essential, especially in times of increasing digital violence.
A look into the future
The challenges arising from digital violence are not just temporary, but require sustainable solutions. The legal framework urgently needs to be adjusted in order to effectively counteract digital attacks. In this context, a new EU directive to combat violence against women, which came into force on June 13, 2024, aims to improve the legal framework bpb.de.
The women's advice center in the Höxter district is nevertheless accompanied by the need for public funding beyond the support of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Despite the efforts made so far, there are still gaps in financial security, which is why donations and grants from organizations are essential to ensure the existence of the advice center and to continue its important work.
The measures to combat both digital and analogue violence are not only a legislative but also a social concern. Women and trans people should be able to lead a safe and self-determined life in the digital space without fear of attacks. Every individual is required to take a stand against violence and raise awareness.