Berlin, December 23 – The Big Hotline, a key support service for individuals experiencing domestic violence in Berlin, has observed a steady rise in calls for assistance, with an annual increase of about 3% in recent years. Nua Ursprung, a spokesperson for Big (Berliner Initiative gegen Gewalt an Frauen), shared this information with the German Press Agency (dpa).
Growing Awareness and Willingness to Seek Help
Ursprung clarified that this increase does not necessarily indicate a rise in the incidence of violence itself, but rather a greater readiness among affected individuals to seek support. “We notice that more people are calling earlier than before to gather information. It’s becoming more common for individuals to simply call and describe a situation, even if they are unsure,” she stated.
The Big Hotline: A Lifeline for Victims
The Big Hotline, accessible 24/7 at 030 611 03 00, offers confidential telephone counseling in multiple languages. Its services include guiding callers to women’s shelters and other crucial support networks. Ursprung reported that the hotline receives between 700 and 900 calls each month. The service is not only for direct victims but also for concerned relatives and friends.
Critical Shortage of Shelter Spaces
Despite the increased demand for help, a significant challenge remains: the severe shortage of protective spaces in women’s shelters. Ursprung revealed that the Big Hotline is forced to turn away between 10 and 15 individuals seeking shelter every single day due to lack of capacity. This highlights a critical gap in the support system for victims of domestic violence in Berlin.
Understanding the Scope of Domestic Violence
Ursprung emphasized that domestic violence extends beyond physical abuse, stating, “Violence does not begin with physical blows. Isolation and other forms of psychological violence also count.” This broader definition underscores the multifaceted nature of abuse that many individuals face.
Additional Support Services in Berlin
Berlin offers several other vital resources for those affected by violence:
- Lara Association: Provides free legal advice for women, transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Support is available via email and phone.
- Eulalia Eigensinn Association (Spandau): Offers support to women in the Spandau district.
- Berlin Crisis Service: Available for acute crisis situations.
Concerning Statistics on Violence Against Women
In 2024, eight women in Berlin were tragically killed by their partners or ex-partners. Additionally, two other women were murdered by family members, according to police reports. All perpetrators were men. While the exact figures for 2025 are not yet available, police indicate the number remains consistent with the previous year.
Furthermore, in 2024, 4,661 women and girls were victims of sexual offenses, with one-third of them being under 18 years old. The police anticipate a 3% increase in such cases for the current year. These statistics underscore the urgent need for continued support and preventative measures against gender-based violence.
Source: https://www.zeit.de/news/2025-12/23/mehr-frauen-in-berlin-suchen-hilfe-bei-haeuslicher-gewalt
