Violence: information in English 

Physical violence is defined as any attack on a person’s body or health, for example pushing, kicking, hitting, (deliberately) scalding, poisoning or injuring another person with a weapon. Regardless of whether it takes place between strangers or within the family, physical violence is forbidden in Germany. Parents are not allowed to beat their children (or lock them up, for example); men are not allowed to beat their wives.  

Psychological violence (or mental or emotional violence) takes many forms, ranging from name-calling, taunting and humiliation to threats and blackmail. Stalking and bullying also count as psychological violence. Psychological violence is “invisible”. From the outside, one can usually neither see the act of violence nor its consequences. For this reason, it is often difficult (for the people affected) to prove they have been subjected to psychological violence and (for those around them) to recognize the violence from the outside. Counselling centres can help victims of violence to detach themselves from a violent relationship and come to terms with a violent experience.  

Sexual violence refers to sexual acts that are inflicted against another person’s will – or when the person cannot either consent or refuse (for example, due to being unconscious or not understanding what is happening). Sex with anyone under the age of 14 is always considered violence – even if the child appears to “agree”. Sexual violence ranges from sexual harassment (lewd comments, catcalling/whistling, groping) to rape. Making another person submissive with knockout drops and then raped by a date or stranger? This also occurs. However, sexual violence happens much more frequently in marriages or partnerships. Good to know: no one has a right to your body, and no one may force sexual acts upon you – not even your husband or wife, for example.  

Digital violence happens everywhere people meet online. It ranges from cyberbullying and hate speech to cyberstalking and cybergrooming (in other words, contacting children online with the aim of sexually abusing them). Digital violence is often closely linked to attacks in the physical world. Hate speech is directed against individuals or groups, for example against LGBTIQ people, individuals with a migration background, people of the Muslim or Jewish faith, or women. Almost all 14 to 24-year-olds have experienced hate speech.  

In some countries around the globe, girls are circumcised. These often life-threatening procedures mutilate their sexual organs. These women suffer severely from the consequences for the rest of their lives. In Germany, female circumcision (FGM) is prohibited. However, due to immigration and flight, more and more girls and women affected by this practice are living in our country. Offers of assistance have three goals: 1. to help girls who are threatened by FGM. 2. to educate families about FGM. 3. to support circumcised women, both psychologically and medically.  

Forced prostitution means that girls or women (more rarely, but also boys, men or transgender persons) are forced to offer sexual services against their will – for example in a brothel, a hotel room, a private flat or on the street. Frequently, difficult economic conditions in the countries of origin are exploited, with prostitution being presented as a good way to earn money. Or loverboys pretend to be in love with girls or young women – only to force them into prostitution later. Important to know! Are you being forced into prostitution? It is not you who is liable to prosecution, but instead those individuals who are forcing you to do it! There are counselling centres that can inform and support you. 

If the bride, groom or both spouses are forced to marry, it is called a forced marriage. In Germany, this practice is forbidden – as are child marriages: only people over the age of 18 are allowed to marry in Germany. Young people who are threatened by a forced marriage or have already been married against their will can be assisted.