Violence against women

Violence against women is a complex issue. Women are affected in all social groups, age groups and educational levels. They are victims of assaults and crimes because they are women.

The forms of violence are manifold. Women are affected by everything from verbal attacks and physical assaults to femicide. The introduction of social media into everyday social life has once again created new forms of violence, such as hate speech or deep fake videos.

But it is not only the forms of violence against women that have changed. The number of violent crimes against women has also increased in recent years. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office's situation report, the number of domestic violence offenses rose by 5.6 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, sexual offenses by 6.2 percent and digital violence by 25 percent. In the case of homicides (femicides), as many as 360 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner in 2023. (Federal situation report "Gender-specific crimes against women 2023")

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), between the ages of 16 and 60, every sixth woman is affected by violence at least once and every third woman by sexualized violence.

This means that violence against women is not a marginalized phenomenon but an everyday occurrence.

Through broad public relations work, networking and active support of counseling facilities and committees, the Equal Opportunities Office is working to provide adequate help for those affected (and their environment) in Aachen.

Publications and events are also intended to make violence against women visible and raise public awareness.

Help hotline "Violence against women": 116016

Women help women e.V.: 0241 902416

Women's shelter SkF Aachen: 0241 470450

Women's shelter Aachen&Alsdorf: 02404 91000

RückHalt e.V.- Counseling against sexual violence: 0241 542220

RückHalt e.V.- Counseling for men affected by sexual violence: 0241 47598501

Help hotline "Violence against men": 0800 1239900

Further topics