Violence against women

Violence against women and girls occurs in all walks of life and has many faces. Whether physical or psychological, domestic violence in marriage and partnership, sexual assault and rape, harassment, cyber violence or stalking, human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced marriage or genital mutilation — in North Rhine-Westphalia, women seeking assistance are available for all forms of violence. Affected persons, their relatives, acquaintances and professionals will receive free information on victims’ protection and prosecution, as well as contacts with support institutions and contact points, on request. Violence against women Contact points for women in need Through the Women’s Aid Network in North Rhine-Westphalia, women affected by violence can seek protection in numerous state-funded institutions or seek advice and help: 64 women’s houses offer refuge for women with children, professional advice and support for further self-responsible lifestyles. 61 general women’s counseling centres support psychosocial individual or group counselling in difficult problem and conflict situations, especially after violence suffered. 53 specialist counselling centres against sexualised violence assist women and girls after sexualised violence with acute crisis intervention, psychological counselling and accompaniment to doctors, police and courts.