Blue Bank in Kreuzberg: A strong symbol of violence against women!

Blue Bank in Kreuzberg: A strong symbol of violence against women!

Jahnstraße, 10967 Berlin, Deutschland - In Berlin, a strong sign against violence is set to women! Here is the first public stop bank that draws attention to the screaming reality of domestic violence.

This striking blue bank, set up on Jahnstrasse in front of the Turkish women's association, is carrying the urgent message: "There is no place for violence on women and girls". The hand-stop symbol, which is sprayed next to it, is said to encourage, look and help passers-by. Carla Miranda Contreras, project coordinator of "Districts without Partners' Power" (Stop) for Kreuzberg, explains: "Anyone who goes up here or sits down should not look away, but actively intervene against violence - be it through reports or through help for neighboring." This bank is a real eye -catcher and stands for a clear position against partner violence.

The first of its kind!

Although other stop benches already exist in Berlin, it is the very first one that stands in public space and thus catches everyone's eye. The previous specimens were mostly placed in club rooms and meeting places. All benches are painted in blue, which symbolizes hope. Contreras adds: "We get the topic of partner violence from the taboo." In Germany, every third woman is affected by domestic violence, and the number of unreported cases is said to reach terrifying 45 percent, according to the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs.

The initiative, which also shows in other districts such as Spandau, aims to raise awareness of this problem. Similar to the Italian idea of the "La Panchina Rossa", where red benches are reminiscent of the women, the victims of violence, the blue bank serves as a bright spot and as a call to solidarity and responsibility in the neighborhood. Another five such benches are planned in Kreuzberg to build a strong network to protect women. The neighbors of the Turkish Women's Association have agreed to look after the bank and to ensure that the message remains clear and are not forgotten.