Sharp rise in female violence incidents promptly addressed by Bremen authorities
In a concerning trend, a recent increase in violence against women in Germany has been noted, with incidents of sexual harassment in public spaces becoming more prevalent. This is exemplified by a recent case in the Hessian town of Gelnhausen, where nine girls were physically harassed by men of Syrian origin [1].
To address this issue, Germany has the Violence Protection Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz), which aims to better protect victims of violence, including women, by providing legal measures such as restraining orders and enhanced support services. This act is part of broader efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence and ensure access to justice and protection for victims.
Cities like Bremen and Bremerhaven are actively fighting violence against women through public campaigns and local initiatives aimed at awareness and prevention [1]. For example, the Central Office of the State Women's Representatives (ZGF) has launched an initiative called "Finding Solutions!" to make counseling and support services for victims of violence against women and girls more widely known. The online portal www.violence-against-women.bremen.de organizes information and contacts according to the different forms of violence, such as domestic and sexual violence, sexual harassment, digital violence, stalking, or forced prostitution.
To help victims navigate available resources for protection and recovery, there are online guides and support networks available. These typically provide information on how to seek help, contact emergency services, access counseling, legal advice, and social support networks. Information provided by the online guide is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Russian, Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Farsi, and even sign language.
Bremen's State Women's Representative, Bettina Wilhelm, emphasized that diverse support can help reach people in their daily lives and inform them about support services. Housing companies Gewoba and Brebau are among the supporters of this initiative, offering a unique opportunity to sensitize many people in their immediate living environment to the topic.
It's important to note that the police crime statistics in Bremen may underestimate the true extent of domestic and sexual violence, as many affected women do not file reports. Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Women's Affairs, has appealed to Members of the German Parliament to quickly pass the newly introduced Violence Assistance Act to provide a legal and financial basis for all victims of domestic violence to receive comprehensive, low-threshold, and cost-free protection and support.
For the most accurate and current information, consulting official German government websites or local women's support organizations in Bremen and Bremerhaven is recommended.
[1] Source: Unnamed source, specific details not provided in the search results.
- In an attempt to improve women's health and wellness, Germany focuses on combating the rising issue of violence against women through initiatives like the Violence Protection Act, which provides legal measures such as restraining orders and enhanced support services, as part of broader efforts in science and general news.
- To address concerns in the realm of crime and justice, cities like Bremen and Bremerhaven, in their pursuit of health-and-wellness, have launched public campaigns and local initiatives, such as online guides and support networks, to inform and protect victims of domestic and sexual violence, offering these resources in multiple languages, including English.
- Recognizing the underreporting of domestic and sexual violence in politics, Senator Claudia Bernhard advocates for the prompt passage of the Violence Assistance Act to offer comprehensive, low-threshold, and cost-free protection and support for victims, while urging members of the German Parliament to take action.
