Year after year, the number of cases handled by Opferhilfe beider Basel increases. Each one is about the suffering of a person. Anonymized accounts mercilessly reveal the form that violence takes in our society.
Every case a destiny
Year after year, the number of cases handled by Opferhilfe beider Basel increases. Each one is about the suffering of a person. Anonymized accounts mercilessly reveal the form that violence takes in our society.
Last year, we received twelve new dossiers per working day from people affected by violence – compared to just seven in 2020. The need for professional support in the most difficult situations is growing rapidly, as the current annual report shows.
These figures should not remain abstract. Anonymized case histories can show how violence is exercised. No confidential information is used. A warning: some of the following examples may be disturbing.
Domestic and sexualized violence against women
Women are by far the most affected by violence: In six of the twelve new cases opened by our team every day, they have been victims of domestic and sexualized violence. This ranges from human trafficking and sexual harassment at a festival to rape and a death threat from an ex-partner.
The following is an abridged version of a conversation with a woman who talks about her violent husband:
“I’ve been married to him since 1995 and have two children with him who are now grown up. I’ve lived in complete isolation for 30 years: I’m not allowed to leave the house on my own, I’m not allowed to socialize. When I’m out with him, I’m not allowed to look anyone in the eye or speak to them in public. I’m also constantly monitored at home with cameras in every room. Today, a child accompanied me to victim support. The child is waiting downstairs and doesn’t want to talk about it.
The man is extremely jealous and has threatened to kill me several times. He owns guns and ammunition. When he goes to bed at night, he always takes a sharp knife to his marital bed. He is unemployed and has an alcohol and drug problem. I have no strength to fight back or leave him. I don’t have a job, I’ve never been allowed to do anything. I am lost alone. I accept my fate. I’m so worried about my grown-up children. They are doing so badly.”
Violence in public spaces
Three of the twelve new dossiers that our employees open every day involve crimes in public spaces and traffic accidents. For example, disputes between neighbors or disputes involving stabbing weapons. Here is the story of a cyclist:
“I was standing at a pedestrian crossing on my bike to let a pedestrian pass. A car came up behind me and drove straight into me. I fell and injured myself. People rushed over and helped me to my feet. We didn’t call the police, we just exchanged personal details and contact information.
I felt worse and worse after that and took a cab to the emergency room. As it turned out, the injuries were more serious than first thought. I suffered a fractured sacrum, a broken lower leg, a torn cruciate ligament in my knee and now a possible slipped disc is also being investigated. I was 100% unfit for work for several weeks and am still 50% unfit for work.
I have not filed a criminal complaint and I have not taken out legal expenses insurance.”
Children and young people as victims
Twice a day, new cases involve children and young people who are victims of violence. The following example shows a particularly serious case:
A public prosecutor contacts Victim Support by telephone. She reports that she has received a case involving videos and photos. They show sexual acts with a two-and-a-half-year-old girl.
The accused and the girl who was the victim are now known to the authorities. The girl is now 8 years old and the experts assume that she cannot remember the incidents. It is also assumed that the parents know nothing about it and will therefore be overwhelmed when they are confronted with the case.
The public prosecutor would like the opinion of a victim support counselor as to whether it would make sense to inform and question the girl. The prosecutor would also welcome it if a trusted person from Victim Support could be present during the interview with the unsuspecting parents.
Men affected by violence
One in twelve new cases concerns men who are exposed to domestic and sexualized violence. Here is a summary of a conversation between a care professional and one of our advisors:
The client states that he is a qualified nursing specialist and has ten years of work experience in nursing. He is currently working in a nursing home as deputy ward manager. In July, a 17-year-old trainee started working there on another ward. They had taken cigarette breaks together. However, he quickly noticed that she was “hitting on” him, asking about his relationship and complimenting him on his looks. However, he ignored these advances.
In September, the two smoked cigarettes together again during the break. She lured him into a staff restroom under the pretext of checking to see if something was broken. In the staff toilet, she pushed him against the wall, unbuttoned his trousers, grabbed his penis and tried to masturbate him. He froze at first, but after about 15 seconds he slapped her hand away and told her that he would report her and that her behavior was wrong.
Apparently, the trainee had previously attracted attention due to poor performance in the company. His supervisor was no longer in the building that evening. However, the trainee had gone straight to the police and reported him for sexual assault. He was then remanded in custody and his home was searched. Criminal proceedings are now underway against him. He says that he is very worried about his future and needs support.
Decisive support
These cases provide an insight into the everyday life of a legal advice center. Above all, however, they show in what form and to what extent violence is present in our society. And they make it clear how important all partner organizations are in supporting those affected by violence, including in criminal prosecution and in ensuring that sufficient shelters and therapy places are available.
Victim Support beider Basel
Steinengraben 5
CH-4051 Basel
