New women's shelter: the "Alte Kurhotel" was chosen
In view of the high demand for additional shelters for women and children affected by violence, the district of Ludwigsburg, together with the Frauen für Frauen e.V. association, has been conducting an intensive search for suitable properties since the beginning of 2024. As the "Alte Kurhotel" is in great need of renovation, various other options were examined, including existing properties and possible new buildings. A total of eleven properties were included, five of which were excluded due to excessive refurbishment costs or lack of suitability. The remaining six properties were evaluated in detail in order to best take into account both the safety requirements and the needs of the women and children. Ultimately, the choice fell on the "Alte Kurhotel" due to the urgent need for shelter and the lack of a short-term alternative property that could be used as quickly as possible.
Thanks to its space and utilization concept, it offers the opportunity to pursue an open concept. In contrast to conventional women's shelters, protection is not guaranteed by a secret address, but by a comprehensive security concept on site.
Despite the grant of 500,000 euros, the association Frauen für Frauen e.V. is dependent on further funding to finance the renovation of the "Alte Kurhotel".
District Administrator criticizes discontinuation of funding programme and welcomes Violence Assistance Act
District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier sharply criticized the fact that the federal government abruptly discontinued its previous funding program for women's shelters in 2023: "Social law stipulates that districts should only contribute to accommodation and care costs. By discontinuing the funding program at short notice, the federal government has put us in a predicament in which we now also have to provide an investment cost subsidy together with the state to help cover the urgent need for shelters in women's refuges in our area."
With the Violence Assistance Act passed in February of this year, measures are now finally being taken at federal level to drive forward the expansion of places. The state of Baden-Württemberg is also providing funding. The Frauen für Frauen association
therefore submitted an application to the state last week for the new funding procedure there.
"We will keep a close eye on developments at federal and state level," concludes District Administrator Allgaier. "Because one thing is certain: protecting women and children is not a task that can wait."
