Frauenhaus in Bremerhaven: lack of space despite the planned expansion!

Frauenhaus in Bremerhaven: lack of space despite the planned expansion!

Bremerhaven, Deutschland - Bremen loves clear announcements, but reality in the Hanseatic city of Bremerhaven looks a little different. There is an urgent problem here: the women's shelter is simply overcrowded. In the months of April and May 2023, 14 women affected by violence and a total of 36 people could not be admitted because all beds were occupied. The GISBU consultant, who runs the women's shelter, notes that many women often have to stay with friends or relatives - not an optimal solution, as it emphasizes. In the worst case, forced accommodations such as guest houses or hotels have to be used, which does not benefit anyone.

For over a decade, the central office for equality of women (ZGF) and other initiatives for an expansion of the women's shelter are committed. A city council decided in 2022 to increase the number of beds from 17 to 30. But although the financing concept is now standing and a suitable building has been found for rental, it is a lack of financial support. In the city budget 2025, only 10,000 euros are planned for the women's shelter - the money is missing for the expansion.

financial hurdles and support

The city of Bremerhaven faces an enormous financial problem: saving 20 million euros as part of budget consolidation is necessary. To achieve this, fees for urban services such as the city library or daycare meal are increased, while at the same time no new staff can be hired. The voluntary tasks of the city, which also include grants for anniversaries and the city theater, are deleted. A deficit of over 30 million euros from the previous year makes the situation tense.

The coalition of the SPD, CDU and FDP has requested the support of the state of Bremen. The topic of women's shelter was addressed in the last budget debate, but given the many problems, only a limited extent was discussed. However, representatives of the CDU parliamentary group continue to work for the expansion of the women's shelter and have submitted a revised concept. There are already funds in the 2024 household for expansion, but these have not yet been accessed. The view that the new building will be kept free by 2026 appears more than questionable. An improvement in the financial situation will not be in sight for the coming years - on the contrary, the city council must expect savings of 28 million euros.

challenges for those affected

The difficulties in the aid system for women affected by violence not only affect Bremerhaven. Throughout Germany, reports show that there is a lack of specific institutions for these women in many regions. According to a report by the Federal Government from 2012, around 90 circles in Germany do not have their own women's shelter. The offers are often inadequate, especially in rural areas, and women sometimes have to wait a long time for a place or an appointment. In addition, women with additional burdens - looking for women with disabilities, psychological problems or mothers with older sons - are often very disadvantaged.

The system of financial support is often incomplete. Many women rely on benefits according to the Social Code (SGB) to cover the costs for their stay in the women's shelter. However, this form of financing often excludes certain people-such as EU citizens or students. If a move to another municipality is necessary, women are often rejected because the reimbursement of costs between the municipalities is problematic.

The women's shelter in Bremerhaven not only offers shelter for women and mothers with children, but also advice and support in the event of threatening loss of apartment or homelessness. Emergency rooms can be reached around the clock, and the admission is taken in various protective apartments in order to enable women to have a certain independence. Important documents and personal things should be brought in when taking it, but personal objects can usually only be stored or transported to a small extent.

The challenges are diverse, and even if there are bright spots such as the expansion of the women's shelter, many hurdles stand in the way. The city and its representatives now have to work all the more to ensure that women in need of protection no longer fall by the wayside. It is important to offer violence to fight and to offer the women concerned the urgently needed security and support. Together with initiatives such as the Diakonie Bremerhaven it could be possible to give these women a better view of their future.