Crime in Bonn Domestic violence on the rise in Bonn
Bonn · In 2016 Bonn police registered two to three cases of domestic violence a day. The predominantly female victims can find help at the association “Frauen helfen Frauen” (Women help Women) but often remain silent.
Domestic violence does not start with punches, mental abuse or humiliation. It often begins at the start of a relationship and slowly and almost unnoticed, an ever-increasing spiral of violence starts at some point. What allegedly was a one-off event then becomes a regular occurrence. But not only does the time between incidents become shorter, the attacks also become more violent. “There is the entire range of cases,” reports Ulrike Große-Kreul, who has worked for the association “Frauen helfen Frauen” (Women help Women) for 31 years.
“Women often no longer have a feel for how serious their injuries are,” says Große-Kreul. She describes a young woman who experienced domestic violence but assured those in the counselling centre that: “everything wasn’t that bad. She didn’t know why her husband had been removed from their apartment as she didn’t have any injuries.”
During the conversation, she then took off her scarf. “She had striking strangulation marks on her neck,” remembers Große-Kreul. “I was shocked and asked about them. She then began to cry and told me about the violence she had experienced.” It was only at this moment the woman was made aware of her situation. Later, she even mentioned, “fearing for her life.” Große-Kreul says this is not a unique case.
Men tend to be more violent
Support comes not only from associations. In serious cases it is mainly the police who help. Head of the criminal division, Martin Göbel, says officers were called to around 900 cases of domestic violence last year. They listen to both sides of the story and assess the situation. “Who is the perpetrator and who is the victim is usually established very quickly,” says Göbel. He adds that in the majority of cases it is the men who were violent. “The police do not prosecute. We create opportunities for things to be resolved, “explains Göbel, referring to the law in force since 1 January 2002, which allows police to remove the perpetrator from the family home for ten days. It is irrelevant whether or not the victim makes a complaint. “When someone has been injured, the perpetrator is not allowed back.”
Göbel says the ten days are meant to allow the opportunity to seek help and to go to the family court. Depending on the severity of the case, the court can keep the perpetrator away from his own four walls for longer periods. Restraining orders are also an option. If the perpetrator does not adhere to the conditions, a fine (usually Euro 500) is payable.
This was required 15 times in 2016. Göbel says cases involving children are especially problematic. “In such cases we always involve the youth welfare authorities,” emphasizes Göbel.
Police know repeat offenders
The protagonists are often known to police, as domestic violence is a recurring offence. However, it is often very hard for victims to remove themselves. “There is often a situation of dependence,” explains Göbel, both mental and financial.
Officers have materials detailing where victims can seek help, including information about “Women help Women.” This gives solutions, including moving into a women’s refuge and an application for the assignment of the home for several weeks. Employees also support the often mentally traumatised victims.
How do they cope with what they see and hear? “It’s a worthwhile job,” says Große-Kreul. She and her colleagues also experience a lot of positive things, such as meetings with former residents. “The women recover, the children romp around. They start a new life.” Many find their way to a life free from violence. “And that is where our work makes a difference.”
Original text: Ayla Jacob. Translated by Kate Carey.