Sexual assaults in the Gelnhausen outdoor pool: Don't forget the victims!

Sexual assaults in the Gelnhausen outdoor pool: Don't forget the victims!

Reporting on the most recent sexual assault in the Gelnhausen outdoor pool shows a worrying picture: the perspective of the victims, especially girls and young people, is given far too little credit in the public discussion. After such incidents, many of those affected are characterized by shock, fear and helplessness. It is a difficult everyday social life in which the victims have to learn to regain their trust in public spaces.

Statistics show that over 90% of perpetrators of sexual crimes are men. The increase in such crimes cannot be overlooked: In 2023, more than 50,000 sexual crimes were registered in Germany, with an alarming number of unreported cases that are likely to be much higher. More than half of those affected were minors. The worrying dynamics are also clear in the Main-Kinzig district: 468 cases of crimes against sexual self-determination were recorded in 2022, a significant increase compared to 147 cases in 2017.

Social reality and its consequences

However, the problem goes far beyond the immediate actions. Femicide and violence against women are a sad reality in Germany. Women lose their lives almost every day, often in their own four walls or at the hands of ex-partners. The acts rarely receive the media attention they deserve. At the same time, statistics show that violence against women is widespread and often occurs in personal or family environments. Approximately 181,000 victims of domestic violence were female in 2023, accounting for 71% of the total victims. When it comes to sexual crimes, almost 100% of those affected are women.

Over 50% of sexual crimes are committed by male suspects, which underlines the urgency of raising awareness about violence against women and girls and expanding support services. Women often feel more insecure than men, especially in public, which is even more pronounced in the dark hours. Understandable, considering that women were victims of 938 homicides in 2023, many of them related to domestic violence.

Offers of help and support in the Main-Kinzig district

In the midst of these worrying developments, however, there are numerous services available that can offer support to affected women and children. The Avalanche advice center in Hanau offers help, advice and therapy for those affected by sexual assault, and through pro familia in Schlüchtern, children and young people who are at risk of sexual violence can hope for support. The helpline for sexual abuse on 0800/2255530 also provides a free and anonymous contact point.

In addition, according to the current BKA management report for 2023 over 52,000 women Victims of sexual crimes. The increases are alarming and call for a comprehensive social debate and stronger preventative measures.A strong sign of change should be society's responsibility to actively discuss these issues and not ignore them to ensure safety for all genders.