Anti-Violence Women's Crusade Led by Wildwater Association
In Hagen, Germany, a specialized counseling center called Wildwasser offers confidential and free services to women and girls who have experienced sexualized violence. Petra Rottmann, who has worked at Wildwasser for 25 years, states that many victims seek help months or even years after the incident.
Wildwasser is not the only resource for help; other services are also available. For instance, the Women's Counseling Center is another resource in Hagen for those affected by sexualized violence. Additionally, the round table and the bff are also available as resources.
The German system broadly offers women's shelters and safe houses, counseling and legal aid, and innovative programs for women’s safety. Regions such as Saarbrücken highlight help centers for victims where women can get legal and psychological support. Some cities also have subsidized taxi rides at night to reduce risk when commuting, underscoring municipal efforts to improve protection.
Victims can typically access similar support services through municipal social service offices, local Frauenhaus (women's shelters), and NGOs focusing on domestic violence. Victim hotlines such as the national "Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen" (Help Hotline for Violence against Women) offer confidential advice 24/7 in multiple languages.
Notably, there has been a notable increase in violence against women in Germany. In 2024, over 13,000 cases of sexual assault and rape involving girls under the age of 14 were reported. This violence often occurs within the home, frequently perpetrated by current or former partners, and affects women of all ages, including young girls under 14.
The general trend in Germany shows persistent domestic and gender-based violence affecting women and girls, with structural inequalities underpinning the problem. The Federal Ministry of the Interior in Germany reports that a woman is killed by her partner every day.
For precise Hagen-specific contacts, local government or social service websites would provide up-to-date details. The nationwide helpline for victims of sexualized violence in Germany is available 24/7 at 08000 116 016. Anyone affected by sexualized violence in Hagen can contact Wildwasser Hagen at any time.
- Wildwasser Hagen also recommends the Women's Counseling Center as a resource for those in Hagen who have experienced sexualized violence.
- In addition to Wildwasser, the round table and the bff are also available resources for victims of sexualized violence in Hagen.
- Beyond Wildwasser, the German system provides various resources for family and mental health, including women's shelters, safe houses, counseling, and legal aid.
- In Hagen, and across Germany, specialized services like Wildwasser offer help specifically for women's health, sexual health, and parenting issues, providing support for victims of sexualized violence.
