Shadow light: How women fight for rights and violence protection

Shadow light: How women fight for rights and violence protection

Herne, Deutschland - The Schadlichtlicht contact point, which supports women and girls in emergencies, can look back on more than three decades full of challenges. Founded in 1992, the advice center in Herne played a central role in violence. The reason for an exciting conversation was the experiences of Antonie Brieske and Annelie Gogolla, both of whom are campaigning for their clients' rights.

In the beginning, the conditions were anything but ideal. "We had to fight to get rooms and financial means at all," says Brieske, looking back on the initial difficulties. In Herne it was unthinkable at the time to have such a advice center. However, the two women work tirelessly for the concerns of those affected and were ultimately able to win two employees who were supported by a job creation measure.

The beginnings of the advice center to shadow light

Shadow light was originally an initiative of the association to promote the women's shelter, which was created in response to an increase in cases of sexual violence. Antonie Brieske, who was one of the first employees, describes how she dared to "jump into the cold water" after studying social work. She absolutely wanted to help and quickly understood that the demand for support was immense. "It was surprising to see how many women and children needed our help," said Brieske.

Despite the initial skepticism of the political and urban actors, more and more affected people found their way to the advice center. The need for her work was obvious, but the uncertainty regarding the financing was a constant challenge. In the early years, the advice center was dependent on a so-called "project status" model, which meant that it had to apply for funding regularly.

"If you look at the data, that's alarming," explains Annelie Gogolla, who strengthened the team in 2017. "Even if there are political protection for violence for women, reality is often sobering. Here the need for action is enormous!" The fact that women -specific help systems are in constant struggle for financial resources often make the situation even more tense.

challenges through social media

The developments in the digital world have influenced the work of shadow light in no way. Many girls spend hours on social networks and are faced with problematic content. "The pictures and messages you see can be extremely harmful," warns Gogolla. The problem of non-belief towards the victims, which Antonie Brieske spoke to, is even more pronounced in this context. "The more confidante the perpetrator is, the less the people of those affected believe, which often leads to silent suffering," she adds.

Both women emphasize the importance of respectful dealings with those affected and want greater awareness in society. "It is crucial that young women and girls recognize their value and learn to live independently," explains Gogolla and gives the young women the advice: "Go the way you want to go!

"Do not make your happiness dependent on others," adds Brieske in a motivating tone. This message is central to the work of shadow light, which is more than just one advice center - it is a contact point for hope, support and empowerment.

The challenges in front of which shadow light is facing are complex, but the determination of their employees remains unbroken. "Social support is extremely important," Brieske and Gogolla agree. "If violence is promoted sustainably, this can not only help those affected, but also have a positive impact on society as a whole."

The Schattlicht contact point will continue to remain an indispensable part of the social infrastructure in Herne in the future. "Our goal is to be a place where every woman and every girl find the support she needs," concludes Brieske.

This comprehensive consideration of consulting activities shows how important it is to continuously stand up for the rights of women and children, both in the personal and the political context. For more detailed information about the services of the shadow light, the article at www.halloherne.de be read.