Shortly before the Day against Violence against Women on 25 November, Cynthia Schönau, Equal Opportunities Officer at the Ludwigsburg District Office, and Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Health Promotion, thanked Professor Dr. Sebastian Berlit, Chief Physician of Gynaecology, Professor Dr. Jochen Meyburg, Medical Director of the Clinic for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Senior Physician Dr. Melanie Burger for the work of the clinic staff. The representatives of the project group symbolically brought a fruit basket and giveaways with a "heart" to the clinic.
Investigation and forensics improve the chances of a successful complaint
The project is aimed at victims aged 14 and over. They also benefit from confidential advice and rapid referral to the psychosocial support system. The project was launched in the Ludwigsburg district on November 25, 2021. In the first year, eight women took advantage of the immediate help following a rape. So far this year, only three victims have come to the clinic. "Unfortunately, this is not due to a decrease in violent acts," says Dr. Traub. She appeals to those affected to visit the clinic after the crime. "All the women who have contacted the clinic have taken advantage of the forensic medicine service, which has improved their chances of success if they later report the crime." For Professor Berlit, supporting the project is a matter of course, even though it means extra work for his team: "Providing individual help to every woman, especially in an emergency situation, with empathy and professionalism is our top priority." Dr. Burger adds: "For us as a children's clinic, the immediate help after rape is a great gain and gives us confidence to act. We can inform and advise young people about their options after rape and then accompany them to the women's clinic for further care."
Services should become better known so that victims receive help
"Every rape is a medical emergency," Dr. Traub continues. "Every person affected needs support from various experts. That's why I'm grateful for our network. Women can only make use of it if they are aware of the care channels. A regular presence in the media and in the public eye is extremely important for us so that the offer remains in the minds of the citizens. That's why there are poster and postcard campaigns, presentations in various committees, etc."
The project at Ludwigsburg Hospital is based on an initiative by the Frauenennotruf Frankfurt. It is already celebrating its tenth anniversary there. The model project from back then has now grown into a nationwide initiative with 36 affiliated hospitals in 27 regions in various federal states. Over the past decade, more than 1,100 women have received medical care.
Background to the project
The "Immediate Medical Aid after Rape" in the Ludwigsburg district is an initiative of the Equal Opportunities Officer and the Health Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office, the RKH Klinikum Ludwigsburg, the Silberdistel e. V. and Frauen für Frauen e. V. counseling centers and the Prevention Department of the Ludwigsburg Police Headquarters. Those affected can find a guide to action as well as the addresses and telephone numbers of the clinics at www.soforthilfe-nach-vergewaltigung.de. For further information, please contact Dr. Uschi Traub and Mandy Bronner from the public health department on 07141 / 144 2520 or by e-mail at gesundheitsfoerderung[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de.
