According to statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office, the number of cases of violent crimes against women and children has increased steadily in recent years. Every two and a half days, a woman dies from the violence of her partner or ex-partner, and in every school class there are one or two children who have been subjected to sexual violence. Maren Ozanna, Equal Opportunities Officer for the Wesermarsch district, took these numbers as an opportunity for an event.
“These data are only light fields – the dark field is estimated to be much higher,” emphasizes Maren Ozanna, who is also a member of the working group against sexual violence against girls and boys. “These alarming figures make it clear once again that there is an urgent need for further action,” the Gender Equality Officer emphasized.
This frightening information makes it clear that there is an urgent need for further action.
Gender Equality Officer Maren Ozanna
At the event, she welcomed members of the working group as well as staff from various day care institutions throughout the Wesermarsch. “All participants act as multipliers that can bring new knowledge into the facilities so that as many employees as possible become aware of the topic,” explained Maren Ozanna.
Sarah Stockhausen gave a presentation. She is a specialist in forensic medicine and has worked in clinical forensic medicine (investigation of victims of violence) for several years. Especially because of her work for the Pro Proof network, she holds regular courses at various clinics and gives special lectures for support institutions. In addition, she also works as a certified child welfare doctor in the field of child protection, where she examines children suspected of sexual abuse or physical abuse, and prepares reports and expert opinions. Sarah Stockhausen gave lectures on both the forensic child protection clinic and the Pro Evidence network.
Kerstin Nordmann (from left), Maren Ozanna and Sonja Günther are employees of the city administration in the working group against sexual violence against girls and boys.
The network’s offer is aimed at adults and young people who are affected by domestic and sexual violence. Over 95 percent of the people who contact the network are women. In Pro Proof’s partner clinics, those affected have the opportunity to have injuries documented and secure traces that will also stay in court.
Sarah Stockhausen reported that those affected often did not decide to report them directly due to a sense of shame, fear or insecurity. However, it is important that tracks are secured before they are no longer visible. The specialist stressed that it is important to take a report as soon as possible after the crime in order to find as many clues as possible. She pointed out in that context that only the data subject decides what is investigated. Furthermore, the securing of evidence is free of charge, independent of notification to the police and in compliance with medical confidentiality. In addition, only those affected decide what to do with the results afterwards. You may wish to lodge a complaint at a later date. However, you can also tell Pro Proof that the finds must be destroyed.
Advice for doctors
The second central topic of the lecture concerned the forensic child welfare clinic. This allows doctors to seek advice in case of suspicion, because early detection and further treatment are extremely important. For example, it is not entirely clear to some therapeutic professionals whether visible injuries represent abuse or mistreatment. Sometimes there is also uncertainty as to whether an injury fits the circumstances described. Here, the child welfare outpatient clinic acts as a contact person for permanent residents and clinical doctors. A brief written report can be prepared with further actions based on a physical examination or using a pseudonymized photo of the injuries. This diagnostic support in case of suspected physical and sexual violence is free. Sarah Stockhausen substantiated her presentation with pictures of injuries to clarify what characteristics of an injury can be attributed to an act of violence.
As part of the event, the new head of prevention work at Brems police station, Swantje Eisenhauer, introduced himself and his work in the Wesermarsch to the members of the working group.
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