Support System
In Germany, there is an extensive support system for women affected by violence. This system comprises women’s shelters and safe houses for women, as well as specialised counselling…
Forms of Violence
Violence against women is a form of exercising power; it consolidates unequal power relations and comes in many guises. It can manifest itself as physical or psychological abuse…
Woman in Particular Need of Protection
Women who repeatedly experience discrimination because of physical or mental impairment or because of their origin, age, or special life situation are most…
Consequences of Violence
Violence against women has many consequences: It can entail serious health problems, acute injuries, but also long-term emotional or physical distress. When children witness…
Legal Protection
Any form of violence against women is liable to prosecution in Germany, regardless of whether it occurs in public space or in the domestic sphere. If a woman is threatened by or…
Consequences of Violence for Children
Domestic violence against mothers also has a negative impact on children and adolescents who grow up in such families. Even if they themselves do not get…
What we want, and what we do
Violence against women concerns all of us. It is a societal and structural problem – and not just an individual’s predicament. Civil society and state are required to…
The Beginnings of the Help System
The history of women’s shelters in Germany reaches back to the second half of the 1970s. We asked some of our member associations to tell us about the emergence of…
The Association of Women’s Shelters ─ About Us
Women experience physical, sexualised and psychological violence on a daily basis – regardless of their age, their social standing or country of…
Thematic Portal
In this thematic portal, FHK provides information on the various forms of violence against women, on groups who are affected by violence and discrimination in several respects, and…