Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: On day 22 calls for help because of violence against children and adults

Schwerin (dpa/mv) - The women's shelters and violence counseling centers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania received an average of 22 calls for help every day last year.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: On day 22 calls for help because of violence against children and adults

Schwerin (dpa/mv) - The women's shelters and violence counseling centers in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania received an average of 22 calls for help every day last year. They registered 4553 cases of violence against adults and 3760 cases in which children and young people were confronted with domestic or sexual violence, human trafficking or forced prostitution, as the Ministry of Justice announced on Sunday in Schwerin.

Minister Jacqueline Bernhardt (left) was shocked by the extent of the violence. "These more than 8,000 known cases are unacceptable," she emphasized. They are a sad sign that violence in families, relationships and also in society is a serious problem.

In cases of violence against adults, there was an increase of 4 percent compared to the previous year, and among children and young people by 2.3 percent. Mainly women are affected: The balance among adults shows 4095 affected women and 525 men for the past year, as well as 36 people of different sexes or no information. The cases ranged from insults, intimidation and threats to physical and sexual abuse and rape, it said.

The counseling and support network for victims of violence in MV includes 9 women's shelters, 5 intervention centers against domestic violence and stalking, and 19 counseling centers, 3 of which are for perpetrators. Bernhardt promoted using the offers. "Those affected, but also witnesses, should not hesitate to activate professional and dedicated help," she said.