Life in a women's shelter

A women's shelter is a safe, protected place for women who experience violence in their own home or in their personal environment. This violence can be physical, sexual, financial, or even psychological. Violence perpetrated via digital devices, such as smartphones, is also considered real violence.

Women's shelters vary greatly, but they all have one thing in common: residents find a safe space for themselves and their children to recharge their batteries. At the same time, they are part of a community of women and children who have experienced similar things. There are rooms for privacy and shared spaces such as a kitchen, living room, and playroom for the children. Each woman is responsible for caring for herself and her children. Many shelters also offer childcare.

All women's shelters offer free counseling and services that can help women process the violence they have experienced and develop new perspectives on life.

This includes, for example, information and support on issues related to securing one's livelihood, custody and visitation rights, separation and divorce, and other therapeutic options. Targeted services are also available for the children in the women's shelter.

What is important is that every woman decides for herself what she needs and which steps she wants (or does not want) to take.

In most women's shelters, those seeking protection can stay as long as necessary. Staying in a shelter is always voluntary, and each woman decides for herself how long she will stay.

You can use our women's shelter search at www.fh-suche.de to find a women's shelter near you. Most women's shelters are open every day, even at night if necessary. You can also find help by calling the nationwide helpline at 116 016 or at counseling centers in your area.

To search for women's shelters and counseling centers

In addition to clothing, school supplies, and toys for the children, the following personal documents are very important. If possible, bring:

• ID cards and passports – including for children –
• Residence and work permit,
• Marriage and birth certificates,
• health insurance cards,
• necessary medication
• and vaccination certificates.

Put devices in airplane mode or turn them off—but don't leave them at home if evidence is stored on your phone. However, it's best to leave behind any smart devices you wear on your body (fitness bands, smartwatches, etc.), as there's a risk of them being tracked.