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Family Minister Franziska Giffey presented the report from the helpline
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
Domestic violence cases have increased in the corona crisis.
And the nationwide helpline »violence against women« had more to do: the number of consultations rose significantly in the 2020 corona year.
As can be seen from the advice center's annual report, there were around 51,400 consultations.
That is an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year.
The inquiries about domestic violence have increased disproportionately, according to the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs.
"For many women, this helpline has become a lifeline," said Family Minister Franziska Giffey (SPD) when the report was presented in Berlin.
The corona pandemic is an exceptional situation, and where there is already a burdened family situation, aggression or violence is more likely to occur.
Increased media exposure in the pandemic
However, the increased number of consultations does not allow any direct conclusions to be drawn about the actual increase in the number of cases.
During the pandemic, the helpline achieved increased media coverage, the ministry said.
"The increased awareness probably led to more contacts." Giffey said she assumed that both the increased awareness of the offer and an actual increase in the number of cases have led to more calls.
A survey by “Welt am Sonntag” among interior ministries and state criminal police offices in the 16 federal states had already shown that there had been more cases of domestic violence in the past year.
According to this, 158,477 victims of domestic violence by the partner or ex-partner were registered by the police - an increase of six percent compared to 2019.
The helpline was set up in March 2013.
The number 08000 116 016 can be reached around the clock.
Around 80 counselors help women affected by violence free of charge, anonymously and confidentially, also in several languages.
You can also contact us via chat or email.
In addition to providing support in acute crisis situations, the hotline also puts affected women and girls to local advice centers and women's shelters where they can seek protection.
ptz / dpa