Domestic violence in the Pinneberg district: A worrying increase!

Domestic violence in the Pinneberg district: A worrying increase!

The Pinneberg district is facing an alarming situation: there has been a significant increase in cases of domestic violence. Women are particularly affected, as they are usually the target of male aggression. Dr. Wolfgang Kalbe, a psychologist and psychotherapist, is often in demand in this context. He not only has experience working with perpetrators, but also offers supervision for the employees of the bridge in Elmshorn. However, Kalbe is realistic: “I can’t help every perpetrator,” he clarifies.

Violence against women is a pressing problem worldwide. In Germany it is widespread, whether in personal surroundings or in public. According to Statista, in 2023, around 181,000 of the approximately 256,000 victims of domestic violence were female, a worrying proportion of 71%. Another study showed that 79% of the victims of intimate partner violence were women.

Statistical data at a glance

The prevalence of domestic violence is not only frightening, but often invisible. Many crimes are only recorded by the police. A high number of unreported cases often goes undetected because shame and guilt often prevent those affected from reporting the crime. Women often experience the horror of domestic violence as particularly traumatizing. Domestic violence includes not only physical attacks, but also psychological attacks. The most common offense in this context is intentional simple bodily harm, with more than 144,000 cases in 2023.

Overall, a look at the numbers shows that women are almost always the victims of sexual crimes. In 2023, the proportion of crimes against sexual self-determination was as high as 92%. And while women often feel unsafe in public, men are more often the victims of the abduction of minors. Nevertheless, it is femicide - homicides against women due to gender-related inequality - that is particularly noticeable: in 2023, 938 such acts or attempted crimes were recorded in Germany.

Offers of help and support

Support for affected women is crucial. The “Violence against Women” helpline can be reached on 116 016 and recorded around 86,700 contacts and around 59,000 consultations in 2023. In addition, around 30,200 women and children found protection from violence in 378 women's shelters. But reality shows that there is often a lack of space. In order for affected women to receive help and support, it is important to raise awareness of this social problem and make appropriate offers of help known.

It is up to society to send a clear signal against violence. The annual “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” on November 25th is an important occasion to draw attention to these problems and find necessary solutions. The goal must be to take preventative measures and give victims of violence a voice.

In summary, it can be said that the situation of domestic violence in the Pinneberg district reflects a problem for society as a whole that concerns us all. The next steps are critical to ensure the safety and well-being of all women in our society.