It is sad that there has to be such a day. But since it is still necessary, it is good that it exists: Also in 2022, gender-based violence will be named and made visible worldwide on November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls. In Frankfurt, there will therefore be a rally and demo "Life Freedom - No to Violence" on Friday at Konstablerwache. The rally will start at 17:00 at the Konstablerwache and then at about 17:45 the demo will begin. This ends around 18:15 on the Konstablerwache with a final rally.
Simultaneously, an art installation entitled "Crime scenes" will take place at the Höchst train station from 17:00 to 19:00, which will be carried out by the working group against domestic violence Frankfurt West.
Even this year, this day of action is particularly important. That says also Frauendezernentin Rosemarie Heilig with a view over the borders: "The woman-hostile Staatswillkür in Iran and also the ever further continued Entchtung of women and girls in Afghanistan makes angry, is shattering. However, the impressive resistance, the strength and the courage of the women in Iran also show how powerful joint action and solidarity can be. We must defend and fight for the rights to peace, security and freedom - everywhere in the world. But also here with us. We are in solidarity with all those who stand up for human and women's rights and for a life free of violence, both around the world and here at home."
Although the extent of violence in Germany is different, here, too, structural power relations mean that women continue to be exposed to violence, at work, in their leisure time and at home. The latest figures from the BKA show: Every hour, an average of 13 women in Germany become victims of violence in partnerships. Every two and a half days, a woman is killed by an act of violence committed by her partner or ex-partner.
Violence does not just start with physical assaults, but also manifests itself in financial dependence, digital and psychological terror. Much remains hidden. For example, the crime statistics only show reported cases, so it is assumed that the number of unreported cases is high. According to Frankfurt crime statistics (2021), 1297 women and girls reported domestic violence and 564 women and girls reported crimes against sexual self-determination. five attempted femicides were registered. This is still a social scandal, which the International Day of Action on November 25 reminds us of.
Gabriele Wenner, head of the Women's Department, points out the offers in Frankfurt: "Women who are affected by violence and relatives have a good range of help and advice available in Frankfurt. They can turn to counseling centers and women's shelters. Here they can find support in cases of sexual, domestic and also digital violence, as well as in cases of stalking and as victims of human trafficking."
The city also wants to set a clear sign against violence against women: Until January 13, 2023, four large pink banners with the inscription "Respect. Stop sexism" and "My No means No". The message is printed in eleven languages.
You can find more information about counseling services, actions and events HERE
Also the Frankfurt police will participate in various actions on this day. In addition, this year the police headquarters Frankfurt am Main will again participate in the action "Orange your City". On this occasion, representative buildings in the city will be illuminated in the color orange, which is based on the campaign color of the "UN Women" organization of the United Nations. In order to set a widely visible sign against violence against women and girls and to show our cooperation with the participating institutions, the foyer of the police headquarters will be lit up for two hours on the evening of 25. November for two hours in orange light shine.
