Digital (ex-)partner violence is a growing problem in women's shelters. More and more residents of women's shelters are experiencing digital violence. Victims are harassed by perpetrators around the clock via WhatsApp messages, and their whereabouts are monitored. They are blackmailed with intimate photos or insulted on social media by perpetrators via fake profiles. The proliferation of digital means of violence presents new challenges for women's shelter work.
The digitalization of violence in local communities thus has profound implications for counseling work within the support system. How can the support system be strengthened in light of this? The FHK information sheet "Digital (Ex-)Partner Violence in Women's Shelters" answers this question.
Briefly and clearly presented, it addresses the following topics:
- What is digital (ex-)partner violence and what are its effects?
- What does holistic protection against digital violence look like?
- What challenges and needs exist in women’s shelters?
- What legal obligations form the basis for strengthening the assistance system?
The handout is aimed at professionals in violence protection and related fields, political decision-makers, and journalists. The information sheet provides an introduction to the topic and offers approaches for strengthening the support system in light of rising cases of digital violence.
You can download the FHK info sheet here:
Quality recommendations
Current women's shelter statistics
