Newsletter – Stop, I said!

It is not easy to be able to say stop – especially not when you are asked by a nice person, when you are dependent or when the other person seems much bigger and stronger. Opferhilfe beider Basel has taken up precisely this topic on November 25, 2025. It is about how people with disabilities can set boundaries. They are the focus of this year’s “16 days of action against violence against women”, which run until December 10.

Young people with disabilities make music
Babette Wackernagel Batcho, principal of “Music for All”, was quick to respond to the request for a joint project. Yes, she and the band agreed to create, rehearse, record and perform a song together. It was important to them to make a contribution against violence against people with disabilities. “Music for all” supports children and young people with disabilities to become musically active.

Collaboration on the project began in June 2025. The main characters are the band members. When getting to know each other, it quickly became clear that the young people with disabilities know exactly what violence can look like in everyday life: being laughed at or touched, someone simply carrying on without you wanting them to, pain being inflicted on you, someone being mean or nasty to you.

The chorus of the song takes up these statements. Together with the music, it gives strength and energy to address these topics:

Stop, I said – don’t laugh at me!

Stop, I said – don’t take my time!

Stop, I said – don’t hurt me!

Stop, I said – is that clear now?

Appealing to all the senses
Thomas Ruesch, a counselor for people affected by violence, accompanied the project from Opferhilfe beider Basel. He is a passionate musician himself and plays electric bass, electric guitar, drums, keyboard and sings.

What does it trigger in you when you hear the song?

On the one hand, I can feel the frustration inside me that the song is needed. On the other hand, I feel courage and strength that the people affected have a voice.

How did you experience band members during the project?

Right from the start, there was a direct, unbiased joy and great interest in the song. The band was immediately able to relate to the content, as the participants have repeatedly experienced violence due to their disability. It was impressive how quickly the band worked. In the course of the rehearsals and with the confidence they gained, I observed a growing together, which also gave the song itself more strength. I particularly remember the joint visit to the recording studio, which emphasized the seriousness of the project and triggered something in the band.

You worked with various partners such as a recording studio, a professional musician and a singing teacher on this song. What did you notice in the process?

It was important to me to put the band, i.e. the people, at the center of the entire cooperation and not the disability. The partners had very good access to the band. I didn’t perceive any prejudices. Only the fear that people with disabilities might be overwhelmed by the situation. Unfortunately, I am also familiar with this reaction from professionals when dealing with people with disabilities. Always well-intentioned, but also very stigmatizing. I would like to see more confidence from all sides and a willingness to “fail with support”, as is the case with people without disabilities.

What effect do you hope the song will have? Who do you want it to reach?

Firstly, there is the unmistakable message to the outside world that those affected do not accept violence. Violence against people with disabilities continues to be trivialized, whether on social media, in films or in everyday humour. Any trivialization of this violence is a slap in the face for those affected. More awareness is needed. And that, in turn, requires the direct voice of these people. Secondly, the song makes these voices audible and can thus encourage other victims to raise their voices. I hope those who are not affected realize that their behaviour – even if it is well-intentioned – can hurt people and further cement their already challenging lives. That would be a first small step.

Singing along is encouraged
On November 22, the song premiere will take place in a select circle and the band members and their families can be convinced and inspired by the result.

Videographer Paul Krischker has produced a music video for the song. The video clip will be released on YouTube on November 25. Stickers are available to match the song, for young and old. The song is also suitable for school classes, leisure organizations and many more. Singing along is encouraged!