What a quirky and unique offer in Oberhausen. Now the city wants to take action against domestic violence and is presenting a project. However, this should help criminals!
The Caritas Association Oberhausen eV advertises the project “Non-violent – offer for perpetrators of domestic violence” with the aim of helping victims as well. You can find out how this is supposed to work here.
Oberhausen wants to help perpetrators of domestic violence – “still a taboo subject”
“It’s still a taboo subject,” explains Caritas director Michael Kreuzfelder. “Both victims and perpetrators find it difficult to escape the spiral of violence, but it is possible. We help people to break the cycle of violence.” The new aid project will be available to all men over the age of 18, even beyond the city limits.
You can also take part in Duisburg, Mülheim, Dinslaken and in the district of Wesel. In cooperation with a female and a male Caritas specialist, non-violent action strategies are to be learned in a total of 25 two-hour sessions. The participants should deal with topics of violence, their own feelings and experiences as well as current conflicts.
Oberhausen: Offer of help for perpetrators – but who helps the victims?
But what about the victims of domestic violence? “What we can offer women in Oberhausen who are victims of domestic violence – such as the women’s shelter or the help and support from the women’s advice center – is very important as protection for those affected,” assures Lord Mayor Daniel Schranz, including offers for women. Nevertheless, he also sees a need for action elsewhere. “But it is also important to tackle the cause.”
The Equal Opportunities Officer of the City of Oberhausen thinks so too. “With the help of the perpetrator work approach, there is a completely different way of effective victim protection. Because working with perpetrators is victim protection,” says Britta Costecki.
Oberhausen: THIS is how you can register for the program
The first one-on-one talks with potential participants will already be held this year. At the end of the year, the first group training courses for eight to ten participants could start, hopes Andrea Schmidt, head of the Family, Education & Counseling facility.
More reports from Oberhausen:
Authorities can place perpetrators in the project, but perpetrators can also register for it themselves. However, the project is still under construction. (mbo)
Source: Derwesten
