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Schneverdingen Marks International Day Against Women's Violence: Femicides in Focus

Learn about the dynamics of femicides from Carolin Haentjes' book. Discover local support system gaps and the need for better legislation and funding to protect women and children.

This image consists of a poster with a few images of women and there is a text on it.
This image consists of a poster with a few images of women and there is a text on it.

Schneverdingen Marks International Day Against Women's Violence: Femicides in Focus

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Schneverdingen hosted an event focused on raising awareness about femicides. The event, held at the Lichtspiel cinema, featured a presentation by Carolin Haentjes, who discussed her book 'Femicides - Women Murders in Germany'. Local support system actors, including police and women's shelter representatives, attended the event, highlighting the importance of the issue in the community.

Haentjes, in her presentation, compared the dynamics of femicides to those of school shooters. She noted a high 'pressure to act' and 'overkill' in many cases. Contrary to common belief, Haentjes described femicides as planned crimes, not mere excesses of domestic violence. The author's book focuses on ordinary women and men in unhealthy relationships that escalate to deadly violence.

The event also shed light on gaps in the local support system. Andre Ricci, a member of the Correctiv editorial team and an investigative reporter, pointed out the lack of a contact point and support for violent men who wish to change their behavior. This gap, coupled with the strengthened right of access for problematic men in separation cases, allows them quick contact with children, even if the mother has fled to a women's shelter. This situation was criticized, as it may put women and children at further risk.

Snowden's mayor, Meike Moog-Steffens, emphasized the need for legislation to effectively reduce violence against women. However, inadequate funding for women's shelters and counseling centers poses a challenge to implementing perpetrator work, which is crucial for preventing future violence.

The event in Schneverdingen served as a stark reminder of the prevalence and complexity of femicides. It highlighted the need for better support systems for both victims and perpetrators, as well as the importance of adequate funding for women's shelters and counseling centers. Carolin Haentjes' book provides valuable insights into the dynamics of femicides, challenging common perceptions and encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

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