Violence among young people: where fun becomes a mental torture

Violence among young people: where fun becomes a mental torture

In recent years, awareness of sexual violence among young people has grown, but many often do not know how to deal with it. This is confirmed by Emily Köhler, social worker at white water in Gießen. She emphasizes that it is particularly important to show boys that they too can become victims of sexual violence and where they can find help.

The desperate search for clarity

One of the greatest challenges for many young people is the inability to recognize violence in their own group of friends. Young people often do not take humiliating sexual acts seriously because they dismiss them as harmless. Emily Köhler describes examples such as compulsion to masturbate together or other humiliating behaviors that are downplayed under the guise of "boyish" behavior.

prevention and education at schools

In order to counteract these dangerous misunderstandings, game water has significantly expanded its prevention offer. An important part of this are workshops that head Köhler in schools and residential groups. Here the young people learn the basics of healthy relationships, the importance of limits and the value of mutual respect. This educational work is crucial to raise awareness of sexual violence in youth culture.

help for affected young people

In addition to the educational work, game water offers individual advice and organizes self -help groups for those affected. These offers are important to offer the young people a platform where they can share their experiences and talk about their feelings without being condemned. Here a safe space is created to find the courage, talk about violence and to take the first steps to heal.

A common goal: Education and support

The work of white water is a directional example of modern prevention work that relies on both education and emotional support. Through the willingness to openly address difficult topics and create spaces for safe discussions, the potential for positive changes in youth culture is promoted. It is crucial that boys learn that they also earn help and that violence is unacceptable in any form.