More cases of violence against women in lockdown?
The police and the White Ring have not seen a significant increase.
The women's refuge does.
Dachau - In
the Dachau district, the corona pandemic has so far not had any negative effects on the number of domestic violence cases.
As Björn Scheid, Chief Police Inspector of the Dachau Police Department, explains, the number of criminal charges in this area has been constant at around 188 cases for years.
"There is no particular development up or down."
In principle, emphasizes Scheid, bodily harm, such as a slap in the face, would always lead to criminal investigations.
In the case of "only" loud arguments, because of which neighbors often alerted the police, there are no reports.
But, according to Scheid: "We check the facts, assess and document them."
The processing of criminal complaints for domestic violence are handled by two specialist clerks at PI Dachau.
If there are no physical attacks (yet) in a household, but insults or threats, the emergency services still refer to a consultation with the two clerks.
There, says Scheid, the women concerned would be informed about the places where they can get further support - for example in the women's refuge.
In addition, the police officers help the women, for example, to obtain a ban on proximity or contact through civil law.
Scheid knows that the step to the family court is difficult for many women.
But even the police cannot offer absolute protection for women from dangerous husbands, partners or stalkers.
“It is always difficult to stop a violent person from doing his or her plan,” admits Scheid.
The law that came into force a few years ago to improve protection against stalking - better known as the stalking paragraph - does little to change this.
If the police are called for help by a woman, the officers are often only sent off or, as Björn Scheid puts it, “last resort”, police custody.
Scheid cannot say how many men are made to rethink this.
What is certain is that the situation in the Dachau district “does not differ much from what is displayed in the neighboring districts”.
The Awo women's refuge confirms that there were no increased incidents of violence against women during the first lockdown until October.
But it currently looks different.
“In November there were more inquiries,” says Laura Kaufmann from the women's shelter.
"I can't say why that is."
The White Ring in Dachau also takes care of people who have experienced violence.
The branch manager in Dachau, Susanne Seßler, did not notice a significant increase in violence against women because of the corona pandemic.
“We're currently handling a few cases,” she says.
However, she is sure that after the lockdown, more affected women could call the club again.
The reason: During the lockdown, many women are afraid to secretly report to the White Ring from home.
Shame is one of the main reasons some women don't seek help.
Nevertheless, according to Seßler, it is important that those affected create publicity.
The volunteers of the White Ring help and stand by to provide advice.
“The women should, for example, let their neighbors or friends know that they are in danger,” explains Seßler.
And if there is no other way and there is danger to life and limb, the police must be notified.
This could then take action, such as evicting the husband or partner.
This is possible for ten days, after which the women would have to apply for an extension.
Violence against women has many faces - whether physical or psychological.
According to Seßler, however, the shapes cannot be separated from one another.
“They go hand in hand,” she says.
Those affected are so caught up in the spiral of violence that they blame themselves for everything.
This happens in every level of education and every woman can be affected.
“Many went to college and were self-confident before that,” she says.
"The women were pushed into the role by their husbands and you have to get out of that first."