Rhineland-Palatinate fights decisively against violence against women and girls!

Rhineland-Palatinate fights decisively against violence against women and girls!

Today, the focus is particularly on efforts to protect and support women and girls affected by violence. Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer emphasizes the urgency with which the state government of Rhineland-Palatinate is tackling this serious problem. He reported that every third woman in Germany has experienced violence at least once. These alarming figures call for decisive action.

The state government has therefore given itself a clear roadmap to comprehensively implement the Istanbul Convention, the first internationally binding instrument to combat violence against women in Europe. The convention, in force since 2014, aims to combat violence in all its forms, including domestic violence, while addressing the structural causes of gender-based violence. Key measures include the consistent criminal prosecution of perpetrators and the expansion of support systems for victims.

Expand help and support

Women's Minister Katharina Binz reported a shocking 13,500 reported cases of domestic violence in Rhineland-Palatinate last year, including 8,941 cases of partner violence. This enormous number of unreported cases illustrates the urgent need for action. The federal government has now contributed to the financing of the aid system for the first time, which is very important for the existing structures.

The help system in Rhineland-Palatinate is already impressively set up. It includes 19 women's shelters with corresponding specialist advice centers, 14 women's emergency hotlines and 18 intervention centers. Another women's shelter is currently being built in the Neuwied district in order to further increase capacity. The new Violence Assistance Act also guarantees all women and girls affected by violence a legal right to protection and advice.

Information for those affected

The brochure “Violence – what now?” is a useful tool. This provides information about the available help offers and contains QR codes that lead to further information. The brochure can be ordered and downloaded free of charge and serves as an important guide to the help system.

The Istanbul Convention is not only taken seriously in Germany. It was signed and ratified by 13 states, including Austria, in 2011. Implementation is monitored by the independent expert group GREVIO, which evaluates both legislative and other measures taken by the contracting states. There is no question that the fight against violence against women is a common European challenge, and regular evaluations ensure that all states meet their obligations.

Good cooperation and constant exchange are essential in order to overcome the challenges that violence against women brings. It is time to send a clear signal to protect and support victims and to take action together.