Gießen Launches 'Medical Immediate Assistance After Sexual Assault' Project
A new initiative, 'Medical Immediate Assistance After Sexual Assault', has launched in Gießen. This project, led by the Offices for Women and Equal Opportunities, aims to support victims of sexual violence by providing confidential medical care and evidence preservation. The specific female leaders of the organizations involved remain private.
The project, one of 14 models in Hesse, is funded by the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth & Social Affairs. It offers medical care through the University Clinic of Gießen and Marburg, and the Forensic Institute at the Institute of Legal Medicine. The Apotheke am Ludwigsplatz also cooperates in providing medical assistance as needed.
Victims can anonymously have evidence secured as part of their medical care. This evidence is stored for a year, allowing victims time to decide whether to report the assault. Neither the hospital nor a counseling center can file a report against the victim's will.
Psychological and social care is provided by intervention centers such as SKF e.V., Pro Familia Gießen e.V., Gießen Help e.V., and Wildwasser. Further actions are planned for November to raise awareness that sexual violence is never the victim's fault, regardless of their circumstances. A city bus will display a poster starting September to inform the public about this project.
The 'Medical Immediate Assistance After Sexual Assault' project in Gießen provides crucial support to victims of sexual violence. It offers confidential medical care, evidence preservation, and psychological support. With upcoming awareness campaigns and public transportation advertisements, the project aims to empower victims and inform the community about the available resources.
