More Men Seek Help for Domestic Violence - New Men's Shelters Open in Hamburg and Hanover, but Demand Surges
Two new men's shelters have opened in Hamburg and Hanover in 2024, aiming to provide refuge for male victims of violence. However, demand has outstripped supply, with 126 men finding shelter while 256 were turned away due to lack of space. This highlights the urgent need for more facilities, as only five German states offer such shelters, with a total of 49 beds in 15 facilities.
The increase in men seeking help is stark, with 751 men contacting men's shelters in 2024, a 41% rise from the previous year. In seven out of ten cases, the violence occurred within intimate partnerships. The majority of sheltered men, 88%, reported psychological violence, with 71% experiencing physical abuse. Despite the growing need, legal protection and support structures for male victims are less developed nationwide compared to those for female victims. This disparity is due to prioritization of female victim support and clearer regulations.
The opening of new shelters in Hamburg and Hanover is a step in the right direction, but it's clear that more needs to be done to meet the growing demand. With more men seeking help and the majority experiencing multiple forms of abuse, it's crucial for all German states to provide adequate shelters and support services for male victims of violence.
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