Magdeburg (dpa/sa) - This year more money will flow into the Saxony-Anhalt support system for women affected by violence. Equal Opportunities Minister Petra Grimm-Benne (SPD) said on Monday in Magdeburg that the available budget funds had been increased by more than one million to 5.17 million euros. "With the better financing, we are fulfilling more than a mere mandate from the coalition agreement. Rather, we are sending a clear signal of solidarity with the women affected. Reliable support is needed for women and girls who are affected by domestic and sexualized violence."
The additional money will be used to pay the employees in the women's shelters and women's centers appropriately and in line with collective agreements. Women's shelters with at least eight places received an additional half-time position. Other counseling centers would also be strengthened in terms of staff. Interpreting services could now be financed throughout the system.
According to the information, the Mobile Team, which offers psychological counseling sessions for women and children in the 19 women's shelters in Saxony-Anhalt, also receives additional support. The psychologists are said to be on site within two weeks. "The affected women and children have had terrible experiences. They therefore need rapid psychological stabilization, which we can offer in the women's shelters," the ministry quoted an employee of the mobile team as saying. The employees of the women's shelters would also be advised. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, this project approach is unique in Germany. The sponsor is the Diakonie Jerichower Land - Magdeburg.
