Expansion of Women's Shelter to Comprise 17 Spaces
In a significant move to support women and children in need, the city council of Darmstadt has decided to rebuild the Women's Shelter. The construction, scheduled to commence by the end of 2023 and complete by December 2024, aims to address the current shortage of 4 places, bringing the total capacity up to the required number.
The current shelter, which accommodates only 13 women and their children, has unfortunately turned away 96 women and 92 children in 2023 due to a lack of capacity or unfulfillable special requirements. This expansion is expected to reduce the number of rejections in the future.
In a bid to advance health education in the southern part of Eberstadt, Mayor Akdeniz is leading the charge. A pilot project for health education has already started, funded by statutory health insurance companies.
Until the new shelter is ready, the city will rent the building from the bauverein AG. The new facility will prioritise barrier-free access, ensuring it caters to all those in need.
In a broader context, Darmstadt is making strides in the mobility transition, as demonstrated by a test by the ADFC. However, safety still needs improvement in this area, according to the ADFC's assessment.
The city is committed to implementing the provision in the Basic Law on the right to life and physical integrity. Mayor Akdeniz has also reiterated that violence against women receives zero tolerance in their city.
On a related note, City Treasurer André Schelleniz has mentioned that federal subsidies for the protection of women and children can be expected from 2027, as anchored in the currently adopted Violence Assistance Act.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Langen has declared the first stage of a water emergency due to a prolonged heat wave causing drinking water scarcity. Residents are advised to conserve water as much as possible during this period.
- I'm sorry for any women and children who have been turned away due to the current shortage at the Women's Shelter, but I'm hopeful that the expansion, including the rebuilding of the shelter by the end of 2024, will help reduce future rejections.
- During this time, it's encouraging to see Mayor Akdeniz's commitment to advancing health education in the southern part of Eberstadt, especially with the current health-and-wellness pilot project.
- In regards to the Violence Assistance Act, it's important to note that Darmstadt has reiterated a commitment to implementing the provision in the Basic Law on the right to life and physical integrity, as well as a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women.
