Help for women: UDE takes a stand against sexualized violence!

Help for women: UDE takes a stand against sexualized violence!

In Germany, women can use the motto “Is Luisa here?” Get help if you feel unsafe or harassed. This initiative, which was launched in 2016 by the Münster Women's Emergency Call, aims to give women a feeling of security in the party scene and beyond. At the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), the campaign has now been established in the specialist libraries on the Duisburg and Essen campuses. Together with the university library, the equal opportunities officers and the Diversity Support Center (DSC), the UDE is working on the implementation of this important initiative.

Women and girls who find themselves in an unpleasant situation have the opportunity to contact the counter staff directly. Kristina Spahn and Dr. Eva Willmann, the UDE's central equal opportunities officer, emphasizes that it is not necessary to describe the exact circumstances. The women affected can decide for themselves which offers of help they would like to take advantage of. These range from a quiet phone call to a safe place where they can wait for a familiar person.

The role of libraries

The UDE libraries not only offer a central point of contact, but also long opening hours, including on weekends. Dr. Andreas Sprick, deputy library director, explains that the support offered here is intended to give women a feeling of security. This commitment is a strong signal against sexual violence and for respectful coexistence in society.

The UDE will provide further information about the campaign at the summer festival on June 26th. Those responsible, including Dr. Regina Häuser, Kristina Spahn, Eva Willmann and Dr. Andreas Sprick, are available for questions and discussions.

Specialist advice centers and support

The initiative “Is Luisa here?” However, it is not isolated, but embedded in a broader network of support options for women. Specialist advice centers, such as women's emergency hotlines, offer both telephone and personal advice for those affected by sexual violence. These offers are available in every federal state and actively promote the right to sexual self-determination. The employees are subject to confidentiality. Women against violence emphasizes that, in addition to crisis intervention, prevention work is also carried out.

The women's emergency hotlines are often linked to women's advice centers that offer a wide range of advice services. These include topics such as violence in relationships, separation and divorce as well as psychosocial counseling in crisis situations. These offers are not only intended for affected women, but also for their social environment and professional helpers. Women against violence describes that the advice is anonymous and free and also provides group offers.

In summary, it can be seen that there are many contact points in Germany for women who need support. The campaign “Is Luisa here?” and the specialist advice centers together form a strong network to support women in difficult situations.