Klaasohm on Borkum: controversial tradition is finally ended!

Klaasohm on Borkum: controversial tradition is finally ended!

On the North Sea island of Borkum, Nikolo consumption "Klaasohm" causes outrage and sensation, since women are brutally beaten on the butt on this year, celebrated annually on December 5. According to the public service broadcaster NDR Experience many participants cruel moments that are shaped by painful fear and the feeling of humiliation. An affected woman described her experiences by saying: "The crowd laughs at you, it is shameful". The custom that goes back to the 18th century is now questioned after this sensational incident attracted public attention. In response to this, the association "Borkumer Junge's E. V. 1830" announced that the tradition ended and concluded with the words: "We reject any form of violence and apologize for the actions of the past".

The topic of violence in their own four walls affects not only women but also men. A recent study by the Weissen Rings shows that every second man is confronted with partnership over the course of his life, with 39% psychological and over 29% physical violence. The increase in male victims of violence between 2022 and 2023 illustrates by 10.9% how serious the problem is. In such a context, men are often perceived as a perpetrator, which is fatal because they too are exposed to violent attacks. According to the official crime statistics, over 34,000 men became victims of partnership violence, but their suffering is often ignored, and society does its experience as a relationship problem.

These two explosive topics - the brutal custom on Borkum and the often ignored violence against men in relationships - raise important questions about social perception and dealing with violence. It is time to take the discussion wider and take clear measures to protect everyone affected.