Qualitative survey: Voices of professionals on inclusive violence protection

The women's violence protection system aims to provide potentially ALL women affected by violence – regardless of their respective living conditions and resources – with access to protection and needs-based support. This aim has been enshrined in law in Germany since 2018, not least through the Istanbul Convention. Numerous gaps in care are currently apparent, particularly for groups of people who, in addition to their experiences of violence, are exposed to further discrimination.

What is it about?

The aim of the special qualitative survey was to supplement the findings of the nationwide women's shelter statistics with current expert assessments on the status of inclusive violence protection
and thereby lay the foundation for a process of inclusive expansion of women's shelters.

Based on the expanded concept of inclusion, it is ultimately about a change of perspective: Inclusion stands for a human rights-based demand for the full and equal
Participation in all areas of life and for the diversity of all people. This expanded understanding of inclusion shifts the focus from the "individual that doesn't fit" to the "institution that is (not yet) inclusive," meaning the question of how women's shelters can and must be made (even) more inclusive.

Who participated?

Between June and August 2022, the research institute "Center for Evaluation and Policy Consulting (ZEP)" conducted ten qualitative interviews with staff from violence protection facilities on behalf of the Federal Institute of Women's Affairs (FHK). Various criteria were taken into account when selecting the interviewees: In addition to representatives of (specialized) women's shelters, staff from specialist counseling centers and coordination centers were also interviewed. Experts from both urban and rural facilities were interviewed. The size of the facilities also varied. The vast majority of interviewees have been active in violence protection for many years.

Due to the limited number of interviews conducted and the simultaneous breadth and diversity of the topic of “inclusive protection from violence,” the special qualitative survey can initially only highlight specific barriers and needs.