The way to the women’s refuge

What can I do?

1. You are not alone!
   Domestic violence is not an isolated phenomenon! There are many victims who are ashamed and afraid. But you are not to blame for what is being done to you.
2. Stay in contact!
   Don’t allow yourself to be isolated from your social environment! Maintain contact with relatives, friends and neighbours.
3. Use the telephone counselling service!
   The nationwide helpline is available free of charge, anonymously and without obligation around the clock in 17 languages.
4. Make an emergency plan!
   Think about escape routes from your home. Do your children know the emergency number and can call for help in an emergency? You can leave an emergency bag with a friend or neighbour containing the most important items and documents.
5. Call the police!
   In the event of acute danger, the police can remove the perpetrator from the home for 10 days. The police can also put you in touch with a local women’s counselling centre to discuss further options with you.

What should you do?

1. Take a look!
   Open your eyes and ears! Do not ignore! Trust your instincts.
2. Inform yourself!
   You can find flyers and posters on the Internet that can be hung up in the hallway and put in ALL the letterboxes in the building. Important information and emergency numbers are visible to all residents.
3. Try to de-escalate the situation!
   Attention: Only if this does not jeopardise your own safety! You can interrupt conflict situations with harmless requests. If it gets loud next door, you could ring the bell and borrow some flour, for example.
4. Contact the victim!
   If the perpetrator is not present, you can try to contact the victim and offer help. But also respect if the victim does not yet accept help. It is helpful for victims if they know who they can go to for help.
5. Alert the police!
   If there is a real bang next door, don’t hesitate to call the police. Calling 110 can save a life in an emergency!

What do you need to consider?

1. Collect evidence!
   Medical certificates or photos of injuries, witness statements from neighbours or messages, letters, telephone recordings can be helpful for later legal action such as criminal proceedings for assault, custody proceedings or similar.
2. Get in touch!
   Seek advice from a women’s counselling centre or a women’s shelter about how to proceed and important steps to take. The staff can give you information about what you can do.
3. Pack an emergency bag!
   This bag can be left with a friend or neighbour and picked up in the event of a crisis. The bag should contain clothes for you and your children, important documents and personal favourites such as toys. You will find a detailed list below.

What should you bring with you?

2. For the children

• Birth certificate, child ID card
• Child custody order
• Child benefit number
• Immunisation record
• Health booklet
• Toys/cuddly toy
• School supplies