Sexualized violence: These tips counteract discomfort

In the dark
50 percent of women feel insecure: 5 things a man can do about it

Imagine going home in the evening, accompanied by a constant queasy feeling that something bad could happen to you any minute – sounds like a scary idea, but according to the latest survey results it is actually the sad reality of more than 50 percent of all respondents. What would have to happen for that to change? Here are a few things you can do to prevent discomfort.

The fear of sexualised violence and the number of unreported cases: a part of reality

A recent survey – according to the BKA the largest – on the Theme of experiences with crime has shown that the usual crime statistics cannot capture every crime or the fear of a crime. Is Germany not as safe as previously thought?

Not according to the feeling of a frighteningly large number of people, because from the Survey with approx. 45,000 participants results that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. According to this, more than half of all respondents – especially women – not only avoid public transport after dark, but also avoid certain squares or parks in their area. For men it is just under half.

“The results show that restrictions on movement are a integral part of the everyday life of many women are”, the President of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Holger Münch, made clear when he presented them in Berlin.

In conclusion, one can guess how high the dark figure must be, which is also frightening from the point of view of the authorities. According to a study, just once one percent of cases of sexualised violencedisplayed. For comparison: According to tagesschau.de, it is 92 percent when cars are stolen.

The good thing: More and more voices are being heard on social media, sharing their personal stories and at the same time creating awareness for a higher level of safety – especially for women. But what else can we do to protect ourselves? 5 tips that men in particular should heed.

Behavioral tips (for men) to feel safer

1. Obtain Consent

No matter what happens – it should always be done with consent and without violating personal boundaries. Just because you invite someone to your home doesn’t mean that you get a free ride. Respectful behavior has top priority.

2. Catcalling doesn’t belong anywhere except in the trash can

“It’s just fun”. Lewd jokes, clumsy honking, sexist comments are certainly many things, but certainly not funny. If you are traveling alone and have to listen to a strange man – or even a group – having to “joke” you, you don’t feel like laughing. It’s repulsive, scary, and uncomfortable.

3. Number of the way home phone / Use the “KommGutHeim” app

Of course, every now and then you will find yourself in the situation of going home alone – but you don’t have to feel alone. For such cases there is, for example, this “way home phone” (030 12074182), a telephone hotline you can call if you’re feeling anxious and need a distraction.

It is similar with the “KommGutHeim” app. There you can follow the location of your friends live with your smartphone. In an emergency, help can be alerted in a matter of seconds via an integrated emergency button.

4. Keep your distance, cross the street

The experiences that many people and mostly women reflect shows that many feel unsafe when someone is following them closely or overtaking them. Here men can act immediately by increasing the distance, waiting briefly if necessary or changing the side of the street.

5. If you feel something is wrong, say something.

At least as frightening as the number of people who have felt hassled is the number of fellow human beings who ignore such situations. Therefore, if you notice that someone is being harassed or a situation seems strange to you, ask, offer help actively and loudly – better once too much than once too little. It’s best to stay until the situation is resolved.

Sources used: tagesschau.de, instagram.com

Bridget