Würzburg sets an example: 25,000 bags distributed against domestic violence!

Würzburg sets an example: 25,000 bags distributed against domestic violence!

There is a new initiative in the city of Würzburg that is intended to make people think: under the motto “Violence is out of the question,” the city launched a remarkable campaign against domestic violence. In collaboration with several bakeries, including Brandstetter, Hanselmann, Schiffer, Köhlers and Brothaus, a total of 25,000 printed bags will be distributed. These bags not only contain delicious rolls and sweet pieces, but also critical information such as statistics, known cases of domestic violence and offers of help at a local and national level. The campaign aims to send a visible signal against everyday violence in our society. As Radio Gong also reports, the number of cases of domestic violence in Lower Franconia is growing: in 2024 there was an increase of 6.4 percent to 1,552 cases - a ten-year maximum. Over 75 percent of the perpetrators are male.

The numbers are alarming: every two minutes in Germany, a person becomes a victim of domestic violence, and almost 80 percent of those affected are women. These are facts that Statista also shows. In 2023, around 181,000 of a total of 256,000 victims of domestic violence were female. Women often feel a higher risk of violence in public, especially in the dark, making the need for such actions all the more urgent.

Domestic violence – a diverse problem

Domestic violence has many faces: It includes not only personal attacks, but also psychological violence such as stalking or threats. The most common offenses are intentional simple bodily harm, which occurred in over 144,000 cases, as well as threats and coercion. As the Tagesschau reports, a total of 903 women suffered attempted or completed murder and manslaughter in 2023, with 509 of these cases taking place in the context of domestic violence. Tragically, 247 women died as a result of violence, including bodily harm resulting in death.

Another worrying detail is the number of unreported cases: many crimes remain undetected because the willingness to report crimes is often impaired by social norms. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called for better protective measures and greater awareness of the issue across society. Planned measures to address the problem include, among other things, improving support services and increasing the number of places in women's shelters. A viable concept that could gain importance not only in Würzburg but also nationwide is necessary in view of the increase in the number of victims of almost 20 percent in the last five years.

The city of Würzburg is sending an important signal with its campaign: Each of us can become capable of acting to fight against violence. The bags are more than just packaging material - they are a call to raise awareness and an expression of solidarity with victims of domestic violence. This initiative could be the first step towards a broader social discussion that helps reduce the number of unreported cases and gives the victims of violence a voice.