Taboo subject Domestic violence: This is how women find protection in the women's shelter!

Taboo subject Domestic violence: This is how women find protection in the women's shelter!

In the new episode of the Dortmund "crime scene" entitled "Feuer", a dark topic is dealt with: domestic violence. The crime thriller revolves around the tragic death of the 32-year-old Meike Gebken, who lived in a women's shelter and died of smoke poisoning after her husband, Jens Hielschers, had set fire. Investigators Peter Faber and Rosa Herzog, played by Jörg Hartmann and Stefanie Reinsperger, get into a complex investigation that dives deeply into the topic of domestic violence. The husband shows little empathy in the series, while the two children of Meike, Finn and Zoe have to process the loss of their mother, with Zoe experiencing the events up close.

domestic violence is a widespread and serious problem in society. According to Statista , 71% of the victims of domestic violence are women, which underlines the urgency of protective measures such as women's shelters. The "crime scene" addresses how difficult it is for victims to break out of toxic relationships and what steps you have to take to find protection.

women's shelters as shelters

In Germany there are around 400 women's shelters, of which around 150 are autonomous. These facilities offer a shelter for women and children affected by violence. According to the Diakonie access to these houses is usually accessed by phone or personally, whereby a preliminary discussion for the threat situation is being carried out. The recording process is designed in such a way that it is open to women regardless of their origin, their social status or level of education.

The financial conditions in women's shelters are also generously regulated: women with low incomes do not have to pay rent, while women with higher income share proportionately in the costs. Despite these facilities, the supply situation is tense; Only around 7,700 places are currently available, while around 30,000 people are looking for refuge every year.

context and consequences of violence

domestic violence is a serious violation of human rights that many faces have. It not only includes physical, but also psychological, social and economic violence, as the Diakonie . The consequences range from physical injuries to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders. Children who grow up in such environments are often themselves affected or witnesses to violence, which can significantly impair their development.

A dramatic fact is that around 133,000 women were affected in Germany in the 256,000 registered victims of domestic violence in 2023, which reveals alarming numbers. Due to the lack of ads and social norms, the number of unreported cases is probably significantly higher, as Statista notes.

In order to help the victims of violence, access to help systems is crucial. The Istanbul Convention, which determines minimum standards for the protection and support of women affected by violence, plays a central role. Requirements for a legal right to help and improved equipment of the women's shelters are of great importance so that future tragedies such as those shown in the “crime scene” can be prevented.

The message of this "crime scene" sequence is clear: it is necessary to counter-social effort to counteract domestic violence and to give those affected the help that they urgently need.