Domestic violence: Every fourth woman affected – Harburg district takes action!

Domestic violence: Every fourth woman affected – Harburg district takes action!

In Germany, home is a dangerous place for many women! Violence by partners or ex-partners is alarmingly widespread. According to current statistics, one in four women is affected. On the International Day against Violence against Women on Monday, November 25th, the alarming reality of violence in one's own four walls will be discussed by Andrea Schrag, the equal opportunities officer for the Harburg district. In order to draw attention to this urgent problem, the Harburg district has launched a 16-day campaign that lasts until December 10th. Numerous events will be held under the motto “#Women’sRightsAreNotNegotiable” to encourage women to seek help.

The numbers speak for themselves: In 2023, 331 women were victims of attempted or completed murder. Every two days a woman is killed by her partner! In this alarming situation, Andrea Schrag calls for legislative measures to improve protection for women. A new violence relief law with reliable funding for women's shelters would be a decisive step in offering affected women the protection they urgently need. The number of unreported cases of violence is also alarmingly high, as many women remain silent out of fear or shame. “The 16-day campaign is crucial to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward,” emphasizes Schrag.

Diverse event program

An impressive program will be offered in the Harburg district from November 25th to December 10th. The event begins with a day of action in the Buchholz Hospital. Workshops, lectures and discussion groups are intended to raise awareness of the various forms of violence. Among other things, an exhibition will be on display in the Winsen town hall, which will provide information about the various aspects of intimate partner violence. Self-defense courses for women and girls are also offered to help them assert themselves in unsafe situations.

The campaign also includes an ecumenical service and a film addressing discrimination and domestic violence. A clear signal against gender-based violence is being sent to all parishes. The entire campaign is an urgent call to open our eyes to the widespread violence against women and to actively work to protect them. Further information about the events is available online.