Holiday Blues and Violence: Support Networks for the Affected
Christmas isn't always a joyful time for everyone. Stress, expectations, and being cooped up in close quarters can all contribute to a volatile situation in some families. Statistics, in fact, show that households might not be the safest places, especially for women – 240,000 cases of domestic violence against women were reported across the nation in 2022, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
While domestic violence is not a seasonal issue, it's worth noting that the festive period can exacerbate existing tensions, resulting in more than 100 women losing their lives annually at the hands of their partners or ex-partners since 2015. These tragedies are referred to as "femicides".
Help for Victims of Domestic Violence – Services for Women
Unfortunately, the number of unreported cases of domestic violence is likely significantly higher, as many women might choose not to report these incidents. However, there are trustworthy services available 24/7, including the holidays, to aid women who find themselves in abusive relationships or in urgent need of assistance.
Affected women can contact the "emergency hotline". Staff members will offer confidential advice and recommendations. This nationwide service is available in 18 languages and can be reached at 116016, with the previous number 0800 116 016 also still in operation. Women may also choose to contact the hotline by email or chat, with staff members able to refer you to other appropriate services, if needed.
Female victims can obtain an overview of women’s shelters and advice centers in their region at the Women's Shelter Coordination Office. The physical addresses of the shelters are not published for the safety of the residents, but women can obtain further information and contact details via the coordination office.
Help for Men in Cases of Domestic Violence
It's often believed that domestic violence is an issue primarily affecting women, but statistics reveal that 20% of instances of violence in relationships involve men. Thankfully, there are also specialized services designed to support men in need. They can reach out to the "men's helpline" anonymously at 0800/1239900. A "help chat" is also available for those who prefer a text-based or confidential mode of communication.
General Offers of Help
In case of an emergency, dial 110 or 112 to contact the authorities. For those unable to make an emergency call, Germany offers the "Nora" warning app. Once installed, pressing the button inside the app will transmit your data and location to the emergency services. The "silent emergency call" function allows users to contact emergency services without speaking.
A similar app, called DEC112 (Digital Emergency Call), is available in Austria. The location is transmitted through GPS, and the stored data is sent to the emergency call center.
In public areas, or during video calls, the "Signal for Help" gesture can be used to draw attention to an immediate threat. The gesture consists of two steps:
- Hold your flat hand out, palm facing outward.
- Slowly bend all the other fingers over your thumb, forming a fist.
It's important to remember that no matter the time of year, violence is never the solution. Anyone experiencing assault is encouraged to seek help. Beginning by talking to a trusted individual may help alleviate any initial apprehensions.
Read further about Calvin Beck's experiences with domestic violence in an interview with stern magazine.
Support Services for Women and Men in Germany and Austria
Germany
- National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7 at 08000 116 016 or .
- Women's Helpline (Frauen-Hotline), offering phone and online support at 08000 116 016.
Austria
- National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7 at 0800 222 222 or .
- Women’s Helpline (Frauen-Hotline), offering phone and online support at 0800 222 222.
These 24/7 hotlines offer immediate and confidential assistance to both women and men experiencing domestic violence, ensuring they have support throughout the holidays.
