Women's shelter in Neuruppin: Medical students help affected women!

Women's shelter in Neuruppin: Medical students help affected women!

In Neuruppin, various actors have come together to offer help to women and children affected by violence. The women's shelter there, an important contact point, provides protection against physical and psychological violence. Many women often come with only the bare essentials when they have to flee their violent partners or relatives. Medical student Angelina Fabian from the Brandenburg Theodor Fontane Medical School (MHB) is involved in a current project to actively support the women's shelter. Two campaigns have already been initiated that offer not only material but also emotional help.

In April, MHB medical students were able to receive free “second-life clothing” - usable but well-preserved clothing that is intended to alleviate the current plight of women. In addition, an amount of almost 200 euros was collected through fundraising campaigns, which the university management doubled, so that a total of 400 euros could be handed over to the “Women for Women” association. These financial resources are earmarked for a trip to the Baltic Sea to give affected women a break full of joy and carefreeness.

Living situations in the women's shelter

The women's shelter has 17 places and is financed by the state, the district and the city. Unfortunately, the facility is constantly full; Last year, 165 women were turned away, while currently around 40 women have not been able to find a place. On average, women stay in the women's shelter for about a year, often even longer due to the tight housing market.

However, the women's shelter's offer is not just limited to accommodation. In the Neuruppin center, women or their relatives can receive free and anonymous advice on topics such as domestic violence, separation or divorce. To do this, you must contact us in advance as the advice center is not staffed all the time. In the case of domestic violence, the police can forward the data of affected women to the advice center if they consent. Women also receive support in applying for legal protection measures.

Scope and significance of the help system

Germany has a differentiated support system for women affected by violence. This system includes, among other things, women's shelters, specialist advice centers and the nationwide helpline "Violence against Women". The aim of this system is to protect women in their time of need and to support them in overcoming the physical, psychological and social consequences of violence. Access to the support services is open to all women affected by violence, regardless of age, level of education, social status or ethnic origin.

Although the help system provides numerous important offers, the supply and availability of help is not guaranteed across the board in Germany. Human and material resources are often lacking, and a uniform legal framework does not yet exist. Nevertheless, the women's shelter coordination is actively committed to improving the situation and calls for a legal right to protection and help for people affected by violence.

The combination of direct support for those affected and creating awareness of the problem is crucial. Therefore, an information day was held at the MHB on July 11th, during which the association introduced itself at the university and experts provided information about stalking and violence prevention. The numerous donations in kind collected by students and employees demonstrate solidarity with those affected.

Those interested, especially psychology students, have the opportunity to get involved in the women's shelter. Further information about the offers and account information for monetary donations can be found on the women's shelter website, which makes an important contribution to supporting the women affected.