State government launches campaign against violence against women

Title: Hessian Government Launches Campaign Against All Forms of Women's Violence

In eager anticipation of the worldwide commemoration of "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women" on November 25th, the Hessian state government has kicked off a preventative crusade. Social Affairs Minister Kai Klose (Greens) from Wiesbaden declared that violence against women transcends physical assault and extends to psychological abuse, encompassing acts such as demeaning remarks or persistent intimidation.

The objective of this campaign, titled "And what are you doing?", is twofold: raising awareness of different manifestations of violence and improving the visibility and accessibility of support services for those affected. Hesse boasts 31 women's shelters, in addition to numerous women's helplines and advice centers across various localities.

Research conducted by the State Office of Criminal Investigation in Wiesbaden indicates a substantial increase in domestic violence cases last year. A total of 11,475 cases were reported, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 1,000 instances. Regrettably, the majority of victims still remain female, accounting for 81.7% in 2022. Correspondingly, the bulk of suspected perpetrators are male, registering an 81% proportion in the same year.

The campaign launched by the Hessian state government seeks to shed light on the intricate role psychology plays in crimes against women, particularly in cases where psychological violence through insults and intimidation surfaces. Curiously, this type of crime witnessed a significant surge in Hesse, with men constituting a substantial portion of the suspects.

It is essential to acknowledge that specific statistics for Hesse may not be available; however, there are general statistics and initiatives that offer valuable insight into the broader context. In Germany, approximately one in four women have experienced physical and/or sexualized violence by a current or former partner at least once in their lifetimes [1]. Various organizations and hotlines in Germany offer assistance to victims of domestic violence, including Women's refuge Bad Wildungen, Women's advice center, Women and Equal Opportunities, and the help line "Violence against women" (Tel.: 116 016) [1].

Moreover, the psychological factors behind these behaviors are complex and require specialized counseling services. Organizations like HFBK Hamburg in Hamburg provide psychosocial counseling services, assisting students navigating conflicts, crises, and psychological stress [2].

Meanwhile, initiatives like the Freedom Fund in Germany have highlighted cases where individuals, including victims of domestic violence, have been imprisoned for minor offenses, such as driving without a ticket. This serves as a reminder of the necessity of alternative solutions to criminalization, which can sometimes exacerbate existing mental health crises [4].