Once again this year, the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is raising a flag on 25 November - the International Day against Violence against Women. What appears symbolic is deliberately intended as a clear message: HNEE does not tolerate violence against women and girls, it looks on and takes responsibility. The flag-raising ceremony was organised in collaboration with the Barnim Women's Network, which has been campaigning against gender-based violence in the region for many years.

In his speech, HNEE President Prof Dr Matthias Barth reminded the audience that violence against women is one of the most serious human rights violations. More than one in three women experience physical or sexualised violence in their lives. "These are figures that we cannot accept," emphasised Barth. Violence does not begin with physical assaults, but much earlier - in misogynistic remarks, in silence, in looking the other way.

It is particularly shocking that women face the greatest danger not in public spaces, but where they should actually feel safe: within their own four walls, in relationships, in families and at work. Studies by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth show that domestic violence affects women from all social backgrounds: Domestic violence affects women of all social classes, increasingly also in the digital space, for example through cyber-stalking.

International figures emphasise that violence is a reality on our own doorstep: Around 83,000 women were deliberately killed worldwide last year, in around 60 per cent of cases by partners or family members. In Germany, 308 women and girls died as a result of violence.

As an educational centre and employer, HNEE has a special responsibility. Protection does not mean teaching women strategies on how to better defend themselves. It is about creating a climate in which men and boys take responsibility and actively contribute to a safe environment. Violence has no place either physically or verbally - neither in direct interaction nor in the digital space.

Barth called for breaking the silence, not looking away and intervening when misogynistic words or assaults occur: "Today we are raising a flag to commemorate. But even more importantly, we must commit to setting an example every day: against violence, against silence, against indifference."

Help and support

Anyone who is affected themselves or needs support before, during or after separation situations, for example, should seek help - anonymously, confidentially and free of charge:

👉 Violence against women helpline: www.hilfetelefon.de
Tel.: 08000 116 016 (round the clock, multilingual)

The joint hoisting of the flag by the Barnim Women's Network and the HNEE sends out a visible signal. However, the real task begins in everyday life: living solidarity, taking a closer look, speaking out - and working together to prevent violence.