Campaign against violence: Bun bags help women in the district!

Campaign against violence: Bun bags help women in the district!

In the district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen, an important campaign under the title "Violence does not come into my bag" will be launched from November 25, 2024. From this date, special bread bags in participating bakeries are available on the occasion of the international day "No - to violence on women and girls". These bags are not only filled with brownish dough, but also with information and emergency numbers for affected women and girls. The initiative aims to raise awareness of violence against women and offer help affected people, according to the motto: "There is something!"

A total of 25,000 bags are distributed in the district, while around 500,000 copies are converted throughout Middle Franconia. Bakeries that take part in the campaign include the Lechner bakery in Dittenheim, the Specht bakery in Ellingen and the Backhäusle in Haundorf. This community turnover combines many craft businesses in an important social mission.

facts about violence against women

But the backgrounds are shattering: According to the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, every third woman becomes a victim of physical and/or sexual violence in her life. In 2023, the number of cases of domestic violence increased by 6.5 percent, with around 70 percent of victims being women. A total of 331 people lost their lives in the same year due to domestic violence, with over 80 percent of these fatalities being female. Such numbers are alarming and show that violence against women is a complex and socially anchored problem.

The different forms of violence - whether physically, mentally or in the form of stalking and bullying - often take place in the closest relationships. In 2023, around 181,000 of the 256,000 victims of domestic violence were recorded as female in 2023. However, the notification is often shaped by shame and social values, which means that many deeds remain in the dark field. Even against sexual offenses, women are almost always those affected; 92 percent of crimes against sexual self -determination are eliminated. The same tendencies are also evident in the cases of partnership, where 79 percent of victims were women.

measures and prevention

In order to meet these challenges, concrete measures are necessary. Prevention, victim protection and a coordinated law enforcement are crucial aspects in the fight against violence against women. Studies show that specialized courts increase the willingness of victims, report domestic violence and cooperate with the police. It takes open and supportive access, which makes it easier for those affected to use help. Often it is independent advice centers that can reduce barriers to support.

planned events related to the international day of violence also offer opportunities to raise awareness. On November 27, 2024 there is, for example, an information stand at the market square in Weißenburg, while on November 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the cinema "Movieworld" in Gunzenhausen, the film "Tomorrow is also another day" will be shown. Before that, a “Meet and Greet” takes place in the cinema anxiety from 7:00 p.m. In addition, on November 29, a lecture by Martina Baues, political scientist and historian, will be offered on violence against women in the Gunzenhausen VHS education center. Interested parties can register at www.vhs-gunzenhausen.de.

The work and the initiatives in our district are an important step to bring violence against women out of the taboo zone and to actively fight against these social grievances. Solidarity and sensitization are essential, because "violence does not come into the bag" - and that must be clear to everyone.