Against domestic violence

Domestic violence in Thuringia at a new high - increase of more than 18% compared to 2021

According to the Federal Situation Report 2022, the number of victims of domestic violence has risen by 13% nationwide in the last five years and now stands at 240,547 victims. In Thuringia, there has even been an increase of over 18 percent (2021: 3,227 victims, 2022: 3,812 victims). According to the data, there has also been a steady rise in the number of intimate partner violence cases in recent years. Women are particularly affected at 80.1% (126,349). In 2022, an average of 14 women in Germany were victims of intimate partner violence every hour. Every two and a half days, a woman dies as a result of violence by her partner or ex-partner.

In light of these developments, 29 Thuringian equal opportunities officers are saying a firm "no" to all forms of violence. From November 16, 2023, they will be working with the regional networks against domestic violence to provide information on around 200 Thuringian and nationwide help and advice services. Articles will be published daily on the website www.handle-jetzt.de and on social networks until November 25, 2023 - the International Day against Violence against Women. The campaign will be accompanied by advertisements in daily newspapers and billboards.

No one has to endure violence!

Violence has many faces. It can take place at home, at work, in public spaces and online. Threats, verbal abuse and control are just as much a part of it as physical assault. The equal opportunities officers explain: "The aim of the campaign is to motivate people to stop putting up with it and do something to improve their own situation." Many people do not dare to leave the taboo zone of "domestic violence" out of shame and despair. They should know that they are not alone and that they will be left alone if they want to change their situation. The campaign should also reach those around them, such as relatives, friends, acquaintances, the household, the club, kindergarten, school, colleagues of those affected. They should not look away, but actively support them. As early as 2022, 18 districts and cities in the Free State of Thuringia took part in "Handle Now". Ten more regions have joined this year.

The participating municipalities alongside the Free State of Thuringia with the State Equal Opportunities Officer are Altenburger Land, Apolda, Eisenach, Erfurt, Gera, Gotha, Ilmenau, Ilmkreis, Jena, Kyffhäuserkreis, Landkreis Eichsfeld, Landkreis Gotha, Landkreis Greiz, Landkreis Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, Landkreis Sömmerda, Sonneberg district, Weimarer Land district, Mühlhausen, Nordhausen, Rudolstadt, Saale-Holzland district, Saale-Orla district, Saalfeld, Sondershausen, Sonneberg, Suhl, Wartburg district, Weimar and Weimarer Land.

In addition to the Thuringia-wide campaign, numerous regional events are also taking place in the cities and districts.

Actions in Jena

To mark the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls, several organizers and groups are inviting people to take part in various activities in Jena on 25 November. The day of remembrance and action starts at 1 p.m. with a walk to commemorate the victims of domestic violence who have also experienced institutionalized violence. This will be followed by a rally and demonstration at which all participating groups will make thematic speeches. Afterwards, a candle-lighting ceremony is planned in memory of the victims of domestic violence. There will be an opportunity to light candles and commemorate the victims together during a minute's silence. The program will conclude with a joint singing session.

There will be an awareness team, childcare facilities, hot drinks, posters on the topic and an information stand throughout the event.

This year, the day of action is being jointly organized by several organizations and groups. Involved are:

Frauenhaus Jena e. V.
Women's Center TOWANDA Jena e. V.
MIA - Mothers' Initiative for Single Parents
Alliance Fighting Together
Alliance Feminist Strike Jena
Trans Solidarity Network and Feminista Thuringia
and interested individuals

When?

25.11.2023
13.00 to 15.00 Tour
15.00 to 17.00 Rally and demonstration
17.00 to 18.00 Candlelight action, minute's silence, singing together

Where?

Jena Theatervorplatz with inclusion of the premises of the women's center TOWANDA Jena e. V. in Schillerstraße 5, 07745 Jena

Kampagnenposter gegen häusliche Gewalt