Commission's Role in Crafting Report Regarding Community's Status

The City of Gießen in Hesse is taking a significant step forward in supporting victims of sexual violence, with the introduction of the "Medical Immediate Assistance After Sexual Assault" project. This initiative is part of a larger project by Frauen-Notruf Frankfurt e.V., with Gießen being one of the 14 model cities in Hesse participating.

Led by the Women's and Equality Offices of the City of Gießen, this project is a unique approach to addressing the issue of sexual violence. It stands out due to its cross-sector cooperation and comprehensive support model, which integrates medical, legal, and psychosocial support in a coordinated way.

The project involves several local partners, including the University Clinics of Gießen and Marburg, the Forensic Institute at the Institute of Legal Medicine, the intervention center against domestic violence of SKF e.V., Pro Familia Gießen e.V., Gießen Help e.V., and Wildwasser, and the pharmacy at Ludwigsplatz.

The pharmacy at Ludwigsplatz is cooperating in providing necessary medication, while the intervention center, Pro Familia Gießen e.V., Gießen Help e.V., and Wildwasser are providing psychological and social care for victims. The medical care remains fundamentally confidential, with neither the hospital nor a counseling center able to file a report against the victim's will.

Evidence is preserved anonymously as part of the victim's medical treatment and stored for a year. Only when a report is filed are the evidence handed over to the police for investigations. This anonymous evidence preservation allows victims of sexual violence to create some distance and file a report with the support of a trusted person.

The Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth & Social Affairs is supporting the campaign for Medical Emergency Assistance for Rape Victims. The campaign aims to raise awareness that sexual violence is never the victim's fault, regardless of clothing, appearance, or behavior. The responsibility for sexual violence always lies with the perpetrator.

The action month of November will see further actions within the program for the International Day against Violence. The city of Gießen is promoting this project on city buses from September, with the aim of reaching as many people as possible and ensuring that victims of sexual violence know they have a support system in place.