Domestic violence: more help for women in Hellersdorf

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  A sign with the inscription "Matilde e. V. Fachberatungsstelle" points to the entrance of the seventh Berlin specialist counseling center against domestic violence at the "Frauen*zentrum Matilde e. V." in Marzahn-Hellersdorf.

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  Elke Büdenbender and Cansel Kiziltepe, Senator for Social Affairs, together inform themselves about counseling for women affected by violence in Berlin.

More than 12,500 women in Berlin were attacked by their partners in 2024 - now the counseling services are being expanded.

In Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Senator for Social Affairs Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) opened the premises of a new specialist advice center against domestic violence on Friday together with former judge Elke Büdenbender, the wife of the Federal President.

Büdenbender praises the work of the advisors

Büdenbender said that being persecuted, for example on the internet through tracking or cyberbullying, is "like a prison that you can't escape". It is an immense psychological pressure that can have a physical impact. "There are certainly sometimes fears of going to the police," she said. "It's better to go here, where women can record and classify it." Büdenbender added that she was very grateful for this work, which also puts a lot of pressure on the counselors. As an administrative judge, she had experienced situations herself, mostly in immigration law, "where it really hits you on the head what people have experienced." Büdenbender has recently retired.

Help for digital violence too

Senator Kiziltepe thanked Büdenbender for her commitment to women in Berlin. "Marzahn-Hellersdorf is unfortunately a district where an above-average number of women experience violence," said the SPD politician. Digital violence is also virulent - the new advice center also offers help here. "We are all committed to ensuring that the structures for supporting women in Berlin are strengthened, but also expanded."

Seven specialist advice centers in Berlin

The specialist advice center Frauen*zentrum Matilde e.V. is located in Stollberger Straße 55 in 12627 Berlin in the district of Hellersdorf. It is the seventh of its kind in Berlin. Women can also get advice over the phone and online. According to official figures, Berlin has eight women's shelters and a clearing center with a total of 477 places for women and their children as well as 44 places in so-called sheltered housing for women acutely affected by violence.