Emergency aid for women and children fleeing domestic violence to a women's shelter
Last year, cosnova donated 100,000 Euros to a fund set up by Frauenhauskoordinierung e.V. (Association of Women’s Shelters) to support women who cannot afford the often very expensive stay in a women's shelter.
Concrete examples* illustrate the threatening situations these women find themselves in and how much they depend on help from the fund.
As of September 2024, 50,000 Euros has already been disbursed from this fund. Because this support is so important and necessary, cosnova will donate a further 100,000 Euros to the fund in 2024. The women will receive a minimum of 500 Euros and a maximum of 3,000 Euros per individual case.
*Source: Frauenhauskoordinierung e.V.
Frauenhaus Landshut – Accommodation costs for an EU resident from another country
Ms L., born in France, has suffered severe physical and psychological violence at the hands of her partner and the father of their child. He has also trashed the apartment they live in together.
She is desperate to work and learn German. However, she still has no daycare for her 2.5-year-old son. In addition, she continues to receive serious threats from her ex-partner. The affected person currently has no income. The pedagogical staff is taking care of integrating the child into a daycare centre and stabilizing him. Ms L. is receiving specialist trauma counselling. For the time being, she cannot move into her own apartment because she needs protection from her ex-partner.
Frauenhaus Gelsenkirchen – Accommodation costs for a mother and her baby while the immigration authorities reach a decision
Ms S. is currently in the process of applying to the immigration authorities for a hardship case regarding her own right of residence and that of her baby. As Ms S. and her baby only had a family reunification visa at the time the violence occurred, she is not entitled to citizen's allowance (Bürgergeld – a form of income support).
Until the immigration authorities make a decision on Ms S.'s future place of residence, her living expenses must be covered. The only alternative at this point would be for her to return to her home country without the baby, as the father does not agree to the baby's return.
Frauenhaus Greifswald – Accommodation costs for an unemployed mother until she is successfully employed as a skilled worker
A resident who came to the women's shelter in Greifswald with her son after experiencing domestic violence is not entitled to social benefits because of the status of her residence permit. She is still unemployed.
Her stay at the shelter gives her and her child the chance of an independent and safe life in Germany, whereas otherwise she would have had no choice but to return to her abuser or face deportation. In both cases she would be exposed to violence and her freedom and rights would be severely restricted. Her time at the women's shelter is primarily intended to put an immediate end to the domestic violence. It also aims to clarify important issues for her future life outside the shelter.
Frauenhaus Diakonie Hessen – Transport tickets for a mother and child with no income support to help secure their livelihood
Ms K. has been living in the women's shelter without a clear residence status because she is dependent on her husband's place of residence. With no savings and no benefits to secure her livelihood, the mother is unable to pay for transport tickets for herself and her son. These are needed to participate in social and cultural life and to attend government, medical and counselling appointments. Her child needs a monthly transport ticket to get to school. If she can use public transport, Mrs K. feels safer and freer to make and attend appointments outside the home independently.
Counselling Service for Victims of Domestic Violence, Northwest Mecklenburg – Translation of documents for the recognition of professional qualifications as a doctor
Mrs A., a doctor from a non-European country, has no income after escaping from her violent German husband. She wants to work as a doctor in Germany and has all the necessary documents, which must now be certified and translated. She is currently staying with a friend who is providing her with food and accommodation but cannot offer any further financial support.
With the donation, the required documents can be translated into German and certified. Recognition of her professional qualifications is an important step towards an autonomous and financially independent life.
Actively supporting the campaign
Interview with Sarah Bora and Nina Meinke
In 2024, our initiative is supported by two well-known personalities: Sarah Bora, entrepreneur, co-founder of #dienächste (#thenextone) and a former victim herself, is once again part of the campaign. In addition, cosnova was able to get professional boxer and world champion Nina Meinke on board. The two women talk about what motivated them to become part of the campaign, where they think the prevention of violence against women should start, and how we as a society can deal with the issue.
