On the International Day against Violence against Women, Opferhilfe beider Basel is the voice of women affected by violence. An overview of where we are involved and what we do specifically.

In the first nine months of 2022, Victim Support beider Basel noted a significant increase in violence against women. By the end of September, 760 cases had been documented and advised. This corresponds to an average of 5 new cases of violence per day, in which we are in contact with victims, relatives, trusted persons or specialists. Our consultation appointments are fully booked, all teams support each other to offer additional appointments for consultations. The phone is literally running “hot”.

The voice of women affected by violence
These figures make it clear that prevention and awareness-raising must be strengthened. The “International Day against Violence against Women*”, which takes place every year on November 25, makes an important contribution to this. It is the starting point of the global campaign “16 days against violence against women*”, which runs until December 10, Human Rights Day.

November 25 mobilizes numerous initiatives and institutions, including Opferhilfe beider Basel. On this day, we are the voice of women affected by violence. We use our voice to remind people of the issue, raise awareness and mobilize people. We call on all politicians, all those responsible in society, the public and at work, indeed all people, to take a stand against violence against women in their sphere of influence.

Our commitment on November 25
The women’s counseling advisors work together with numerous network partners in the region. The message is: “Violence against women is unacceptable – we support those affected in solidarity”. It is used on bicycle saddle covers, on posters and on the Internet(www.beidebaselgegengewaltanfrauen.ch). The aim is to provide information about violence against women in a simple, low-threshold way and to encourage people to share their experiences.

In addition to victim support, the following partners are active in the network: Frauenhaus beider Basel, Männerbüro Region Basel, Interventionsstelle gegen häusliche Gewalt BL, Heilsarmee – Wohnen für Frauen und Kinder, Fachstelle Häusliche Gewalt BS, Präventionsprojekt Quartiercourage, Gleichstellung BS, Gleichstellung BL, Fachstelle für sexuelle Gesundheit BL.

Raising awareness among children and young people
The child and youth counseling advisors will be involved in the “frauenstark!” film festival from 25 November. This festival is organized by IAMANEH Switzerland, a Basel-based development organization that campaigns against gender-based violence and for women’s sexual and reproductive health rights, particularly in West Africa and the Western Balkans. The victim support counselors will take part in moderated discussions at film screenings with school classes and contribute the victims’ perspective.