FAQ Accessible violence protection

Specific responsible persons have not yet been named in legal guidelines.

However, various funding programs are available, for example, from clubs or state associations of protective facilities. For financing, you can apply for a KFW funding apply.

Furthermore, the funding database of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy lists funding programs, under the search term “barrier-free” also for structural measures.

There is also the Funding program “Accessibility for all” at Aktion Mensch. In a Quick check It can be checked whether funding requirements are met. In some cases, funding programs from the respective federal states and municipalities are also available.

In principle, anything that is accessible or usable without outside assistance or special difficulty is considered barrier-free. (Section 2 of the Model Building Code 2002)

In the structural sense, the technical regulations are DIN standards.

An overview of the different forms of Characteristics of disability and resulting measures for accessibility or accessibility The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) has created a standardised approach to adapt to various underlying diseases.

The Central Information Centre for Autonomous Women’s Shelters (ZIF) also has a Checklist for structural features depending on the type of disability (walking, visual/hearing impairment, etc.).

Concrete construction measures are described, for example, for the state of Berlin in a 105-page Handbook “Design for All” This includes lighting concepts, ramps, door widths, signage, guidance systems, hearing systems, walkways, restroom design, hallway design, stairs and elevators, etc.

Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities fundamentally requires comprehensive accessibility. The Federal Disability Equality Act (BGG) obligates the federal government to support construction projects to ensure accessibility for the public.

In addition to the Model Building Code, the state building codes – which sometimes differ significantly between federal states – serve as the basis for the concrete implementation of construction projects. In addition, there are model and special building guidelines.

Advice is available from Advisory Center for Barrier-Free Construction e.g. the Chamber of Architects Berlin or Counseling Centers of the respective countries.

For example, a request can be made via the Contact form of the Professional Association of Sign Language Interpreters in Berlin/Brandenburg eV is possible.

In the context of social procedures, the assumption of costs is regulated by Section 19 of the Social Code Book X.

The health insurance company is responsible for medical examinations. In the case of an existential emergency, costs can be claimed through the social welfare office in accordance with Section 82 of the German Social Code (SGB IX).

There are currently no regulations regarding the use of communication in women’s shelters themselves. 

As Cost-bearing Depending on the residence and insurance status and the purpose of the aid, the health insurance fund, nursing care fund, social welfare office or accident insurance fund or, in some cases in the case of aids for participation in working life, the employment agency may be considered.

An overview of resources can be found in the GKV medical aid directoryor on the platform rehadat Sorted by areas of life, some with illustrations. The aid numbers are also listed there. If a designated aid has a corresponding aid number (Hil), it can generally be prescribed by a physician. Including the diagnosis on the prescription may help obtain a specific aid without requiring a co-payment.

Medical aids are usually prescribed by a doctor. This prescription is then submitted and reviewed by a medical supply store or directly by the cost-bearing party (usually a health insurance company, sometimes a nursing care insurance fund, less frequently a professional association, or social welfare office). The provider then directly finances and provides the medical aid according to the benefit-in-kind principle (SGB V §2). Detailed information on the procedure is available from the Consumer advice centre and rehadat for your convenience.

When assessing cost coverage, providers have a reservation for approval, meaning they typically review the need within three to five weeks in consultation with the health insurance companies' medical services. In exceptional cases, this period can be extended. Appeals against a rejection are possible.

If the aid has special features, an additional payment may be necessary.

Unfortunately, there is currently no uniform regulation on this, as the providers of protective devices vary. If the aids are part of a barrier-free or accessible renovation, funding programs can be used, as listed under 1. Otherwise, it is advisable to contact the respective provider or local authority for information.

In principle, single mothers who have children with disabilities can receive care allowance and a care level, household help and child benefit apply for. Specific advice is available, for example, from women’s advice centres such as the BIG hotline (030 6110300). Unfortunately, there is no similar counseling service available nationwide. Instead, the Self-help or e.g. the online consultation (also possible by telephone) of Caritas Germany. 

Just recently, Handicap eV, as part of the Crossroads program area, in cooperation with the self-advocacy group “NOW! Not Without the We” Information material for refugees with disabilities and

their relatives compiled in a multilingual and barrier-free manner.

Language courses and further training, for example, that serve integration, should be separated from aids. The Office for Inclusion, for example, can provide assistance with further training.

Since care in Germany also depends on the place of residence, participation advice in a EUTB Advice Center.

Language courses for people with Migration background and visual impairment or hearing impairment may behttps://bamf-navi.bamf.de/de/ as special integration courses are sought. Reimbursement of costs (plus accommodation, if necessary, due to longer travel distances) is generally provided by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Then there are general courses for language acquisition, computer work, etc. from the Self-help in cooperation with the adult education centers:Costs vary. Some local organizations, such as the AWO (Adolescent Welfare Association), also offer free courses.

Regional networks, for example, offer special counseling centers for women who have experienced displacement. Aid organizations like Caritas also offer services. bff: women against violence eV offers a search option by postal code and city throughout Germany. The nationwide helpline for violence against women (116016) is also available.

Participation advice is available via the EUTB is possible.

The Federal Office for Accessibility offers a comprehensive collection of laws and options for reporting barriers, as well as a Overview of the state specialist departments in the federal states.