If you have experienced violence …
… do not let yourself be unsettled or made uncertain!
You were harmed. You do not need to accept this behaviour. Act in your best interests and do not let yourself be influenced by uncomprehending people.
… do not try to cope on your own.
Confide in someone who can help you and turn towards the counselling organisations.
... go to a doctor immediately after the abuse for an examination.
If you decide to press charges against the offender then the doctor’s report of your injuries is very important to have.
… do not justify or downplay the act of violence against you.
Many women excuse their husband’s violent behaviour and protect them. Some women say:“…he doesn’t usually do that“ or “he is only like this when he is drunk“. However violent men need to face the consequences of their behaviour themselves. They do not do themselves or their children any favours by allowing violence in their home.
… call the police immediately.
The police officers in the district of Kleve are educated and know how they can help in these emergency situations. For example your partner can be evicted out of the home temporarily, possibly even in the long run.
Emergency call 110
Here you will get fast help and support in the district of Kleve:
Victim protection helpline 02821.504-1999
Women’s Shelter Kleve 02821.12201
Women’s Counselling Centre IMPULS 02823.419171
If violence is part of everyday life: What is a "violence relationship"?
Domestic violence among adults is in the vast majority of cases violence of men against women.
In the case of a so-called "violence relationship", from which a woman escapes to the women's shelter, it is not a question of normal disputes between two equal (married) partners, in which it is sometimes loud and anger is expressed physically. According to research, in such rather innocuous couple disputes, there are over-the-counter attacks in the form of a single stroke, and the women say that they also strike back.
In a relationship of violence, women are usually beaten regularly, about 65 times a year. In such relationships, violence is part of everyday life. The withdrawal from a relationship of violence is extremely difficult for the women concerned for various reasons.
