Creating spaces together to protect against violence

East Thuringian equal opportunities officers meet in Jena to exchange ideas

Nowadays, perpetrators can locate their victims and listen in on conversations via cell phone. Digital violence, with its many facets, poses ever greater challenges for Thuringia's equal opportunities officers. At a meeting in Jena, equal opportunities officers from the East Thuringia region discussed their experiences and possible ways of protecting victims from this growing form of threat, among many other topics.

Shelter for men in planning

The majority of victims of violence are women, said Jena Equal Opportunities Officer Dr. Kerstin Haupt. She is one of four spokespersons for the Thuringian State Working Group of Municipal Equal Opportunities Officers (LAG) and, as the person responsible for Eastern Thuringia, had invited people to Jena for the exchange. "Around 20 percent of victims of violence are men," she added. The commissioners also have them in mind when they try to create spaces for people to protect them from violence. The men's counseling service "Project A4" was also presented at the current meeting. The team has already developed a concept for a shelter for non-female victims in Jena. A sponsoring association is currently being sought, said Dr. Haupt.

A total of 15 equal opportunities officers are active in East Thuringia. However, although a legal obligation exists, the position is not filled in some regions, said Dr. Haupt, who sees herself as the voice of Thuringia's equal opportunities officers. The aim of the exchange of experiences is to support each other in their work, but also to tackle strategic issues together.

Reliable funding of violence protection services is important

The importance of networking was also emphasized by Jena's Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche at the start of the meeting. The current publications on the significant increase in cases of domestic violence highlighted the importance of the work of the equal opportunities officers. One possible reason for the increase is increased awareness, which is leading to more cases being reported than in the past. That is a good thing, said Dr. Nitzsche. However, this first step must be followed by the second. "So how can we work on this in the field of equality?"

"It is important," emphasized Dr. Haupt, "that the state takes over the full funding of violence protection services and thus realizes the long-requested legal right to a place of protection." Until now, this service has been provided on a voluntary basis by local authorities and has therefore always depended on their budgetary situation. Jena's women's shelter with 16 places for those seeking protection is also partially funded by the city of Jena. Just last week, a corresponding bill was introduced into the state parliament by the Left Party, the Greens and the SPD. The LAG will be involved in the further proceedings.

Alongside many other stakeholders, the LAG is also involved in the amendment of the Thuringian Equality Act. Dr. Haupt hopes that this will be implemented before the end of the legislative period. The LAG has been pooling the interests of Thuringia's equal opportunities officers and representing them in the state since 1992.

Campaign planned for November 25

Last year, Thuringian equal opportunities officers launched the "handle-jetzt.de" campaign with its own website to set an example against all forms of violence. "We want to continue this project this year," said Dr. Haupt. Ahead of the International Day against Violence on November 25th, the campaign website will once again bundle numerous offers of advice and help in Thuringia. This year, according to the Jena Equal Opportunities Officer, even more stakeholders want to get involved than at the launch in 2022.