Public Demonstration: Clinic Osnabrück Erects Orange Bench to Combat Female Violence
Osnabrück Introduces Five Orange Benches to Combat Violence Against Women
In the heart of Osnabrück, five vibrant orange benches have been installed as part of an initiative to address the issue of violence towards women. These benches, a visible sign of constant attention and support, aim to raise awareness and foster dialogue about this pressing matter.
The project, jointly initiated by the Zonta Club Osnabrück Westphalian Peace and Markus Höpker, has seen significant contributions from various individuals and organizations.
Petra Wienstroer, the chairwoman of the Frauenzentrum Osnabrück, played a pivotal role in organizing the initiative. The Women's Center Osnabrück, a central organization promoting the project, has been instrumental in its success.
The City of Osnabrück, particularly its local authorities, provided essential locations and logistical support. Collaboration with other local social organizations focused on women's rights and anti-violence campaigns has further strengthened the initiative.
One of the most notable donations was made by self-defense coach Markus Höpker, Lidia Wübbelmann, and Cornelia-Streb-Baumann from the Zonta Club. Markus Höpker, known for his work with "Redhandfist" in Belm, sponsored a bench at Clinic Osnabrück. Klaus Beekmann, one of the managing directors of the clinic, expressed his support for the bench's placement at the entrance.
The orange bench donated by the Zonta Club Osnabrück Westphalian Peace was placed in front of the Emergency Department. A plaque with telephone numbers of support services, including the women's emergency number (0541 8601626), has been attached to the bench.
Markus Höpker offers self-defense courses for various target groups, and he was booked for a self-defense workshop at a Zonta meeting in Osnabrück. The benches are manufactured in the workshops of Heilpädagogische Hilfe Osnabrück.
The placement of these benches is a clear statement by Clinic Osnabrück that violence against women and girls has no place at the clinic. Over 100 orange benches have been set up since November 2022, making them a common sight in many cities.
The action day on 25 November will see the clinic and the Zonta Club showing their presence against violence against women. This day will further emphasize the commitment of these organizations to combating this issue. The benches serve as a symbol of this commitment and a constant reminder to the community of the ongoing efforts to support and protect women in Osnabrück.
Science plays a vital role in understanding the causes and effects of violence against women, contributing to the development of effective strategies for preventing and addressing this issue.
The health-and-wellness aspect of the orange benches initiative extends beyond physical safety, as they also aim to promote women's mental health and well-being by fostering dialogue and raising awareness about sexual health and women's health concerns.
