Over the course of this year, a total of 29 orange benches were set up in various municipalities in the district - both permanently and temporarily - to draw attention to the issue of violence against women and to help remove taboos from society. Each bench is provided with a plaque indicating offers of help and a QR code providing further information.
The campaign began on the International Day against Violence against Women on November 25, 2023 with the installation of the first bench in the city of Ludwigsburg. Further benches and campaigns followed in the municipalities of Freudental, Marbach, Erdmannhausen, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Walheim, Murr, Tamm, Sersheim, Ingersheim and most recently in Vaihingen an der Enz.
Joining the "Together against sexism" campaign
Parallel to the installation of the Orange Bench in the registration office, the district of Ludwigsburg intends to join the nationwide campaign "Together against sexism" and sign the joint declaration. District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier emphasizes: "Sexism is the breeding ground for sexualized harassment and violence." As part of the prevention measures, a "Service agreement on dealing with sexualized harassment in the workplace" was recently introduced at the Ludwigsburg District Office. "We want everyone to feel safe in their workplaces and have equal opportunities. Taking action against sexism is not only a question of decency, but also of economic common sense, as good cooperation strengthens organizations and leads to better results," said the District Administrator.
With the Orange Bank and the planned signing of the joint declaration, the district of Ludwigsburg is sending a clear signal against violence and for a respectful, safe society. "Women affected by violence are not to blame. Never," says District Administrator Allgaier, reiterating the message of the nationwide helpline against violence against women: "Anyone who uses violence - in whatever form - is in the wrong."
Accompanying activities and information offers
The prevention and awareness campaign was supplemented by numerous accompanying activities, including information stands and presentations. Various advice centers presented their services and invited people to talk to them. Authorities and clubs such as the employment agency, the job center and the Ludwigsburg field hockey club took part in the campaign by temporarily setting up benches and setting an example against violence against women on campaign days. Schools and youth centers in Ludwigsburg, Marbach, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Walheim and Sersheim used the production of their own benches as an opportunity to talk to young people about the topic.
"The benches in the district are a piece of the mosaic for ending gender-specific violence against women and girls," says the district's equal opportunities officer, Cynthia Schönau.
At the end of the campaign on November 25, the International Day against Violence against Women, further activities are planned: "Together with the city of Ludwigsburg, we will hang up two banners with the logo and telephone number of the nationwide help hotline "Violence against Women" to mark the International Day against Violence against Women," reports Schönau. In addition, the Equal Opportunities Office of the District Office, in cooperation with the district's own vocational schools on Römerhügelweg, is organizing a play on the subject for around 150 pupils on 25 November. The play "Die Frau, die gegen Türen rannte" by "Die Komplizen* - Freies Schauspiel" from Bremen will be performed.
Interested parties can find comprehensive information on the campaign and the accompanying program at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/orangebank.
