Inauguration of the anti-violence bank against violence against women in Hellersdorf

Inauguration of the anti-violence bank against violence against women in Hellersdorf

On September 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., an orange bank will be inaugurated on the Alice Salomon Platz in 12627 Berlin, which sets a clear statement against violence on women. District Mayor Nadja Zivkovic and district councilor Gordon Lemm carry out the ceremony, together with the women's center Matilde e.V. and members of the Marzahn-Hellersdorf working group against domestic violence.

The orange color of the bank symbolizes the fight against violence, while the lettering "Hellersdorf says no to violence" sends a clear message. In addition, the bank has a QR code that leads directly to advisory services for affected women, including the nationwide help phone, the Berlin big hotline and local auxiliary and advice centers such as the women's center Matilde.

commitment to violence against women

District Mayor Zivkovic emphasized the frightening statistics that 40 percent of women in Germany have experienced physical violence since the age of 16, whereby this is only the tip of the iceberg. Violence against women is shown in different forms and often affects entire families.

District City Councilor Lemm pointed out that violence against women has different facets, including psychological, physical, sexual and economic violence. The use of sexual violence is particularly alarming as a strategic weapon in wars, as is currently the case in the context of the Ukraine conflict. It is crucial to question patriarchal structures and to recognize violence against women as a social problem.

The inauguration of the orange bank is part of a broader engagement to support survivors of violence, to ensure their access to medical care, psychological aid and legal support. Political actors must take into account the experiences and needs of those affected to develop effective measures.