A glance at the latest figures quickly reveals that hatred and violence against girls and women remain a serious social problem that is continuing to grow: one in three women in Germany experiences physical or sexual violence at least once in her life, with the violence often occurring within the immediate family or partnership (BMBFSFJ 2025). The figures on femicide are particularly alarming. Femicide is defined as the killing of a woman because of her gender. These crimes are often committed in (former) partnerships, but they can also take place outside of them. Among other things, the term aims to emphasize the structural dimension of violence (bpb 2025). According to statistics from the German government's 2023 report on gender-specific crimes against women, the figures for 2023 have risen compared to the previous year. In 2023, 938 girls and women were victims ofattempted or completed homicides. The proportion of female victims who were victims of homicides in the context of intimate relationships is 80.6 percent. A total of 360 girls and women were victims of completed crimes. According to this, statistically there was a femicide in Germany almost every day in 2023. However, there has also been an increase in sexual offenses, digital violence, domestic violence, politically motivated crimes against women and girls, and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
To learn more about sexual violence and abuse of power in the university context, the TH OWL's Equal Opportunities Office is hosting an online lecture on November 25, 2025, followed by an opportunity for exchange and discussion with Dr.Heike Pantelmann (Margherita von Brentano Center at the Free University of Berlin) entitled "Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence in the Higher Education Context." The lecture is open to all university members and other interested parties. Registration is not required, and participation will count as working time for employees.
Date of the online lecture:
November 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Link to the event
Bread bag campaign and international hand signal for help ("silent cry for help")
In addition, the TH OWL's Equal Opportunities Office is participating in the campaign day under the motto "Violence doesn't belong in the bag!" or "Violence has no place on the campus!" as one of many cooperation partners of the State Conference of Equal Opportunities Officers at Universities and University Hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia (LaKof NRW) in their bread bag campaign: As part of the campaign, bread bags with messages designed to raise awareness of the issue are being distributed in cafeterias and cafés. The printed information and offers of help, such as the number of the "Violence against Women" helpline (08000 116 016) and the description of the "silent cry for help," offer concrete support to those affected and their environment—365 days a year, around the clock.
The campaign is part of the "Orange Days" initiative. Since 1991, the UN has been drawing global attention to violence against women and girls on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25. But the campaign is more than a symbolic act: it is a clear appeal to everyone not to tolerate violence, but to take a stand and take action. Every year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that there are not solely the responsibilities of those affected to find solutions—society as a whole must work to promote respect, protection, and equality. With every bread bag we hand out, we want to not only inform, but also encourage: no one is alone. There are ways out of violence, and there are people and institutions that can help. Together, we can contribute to creating a society in which violence has no place.
The hand signal, which is repeatedly discussed in the context of violence against women, plays a central role in the LaKof NRW bread bag campaign. Known as the international signal for help, it enables those affected to discreetly draw attention to their plight. This simple but powerful sign—a palm shown, followed by the thumb being tucked into the fist—can save lives in dangerous situations. It stands for solidarity and the willingness to listen to and help those affected. Together, the bread bag and the hand signal symbolize the connection between everyday awareness and direct help. They show how important it is to actively oppose violence and make support visible at all levels – from the neighborhood to society as a whole.
The "Violence Against Women" helpline offers women, people from their social environment, and professionals free, accessible, and anonymous counseling in German and 18 foreign languages around the clock at 116 016. For more information, visit www.hilfetelefon.de.
The new central external legal advice center of the State Rectors' Conference (LRK) for victims of abuse of power at universities offers independent and cross-university initial legal advice and supports victims and internal university bodies in the legal classification of incidents and in questions regarding possible reporting and complaint channels. Further information and contact details on this and other support services are available on the equality website.
LaKof NRW events
As part of the Orange Days campaign, LaKof NRW is also hosting a free digital lecture series. You can register for the lectures on the LaKof NRW website: www.lakofnrw.de/themen/orange-days-2025/
- November 18, 2025, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Dominik Hammer: "Beyond the GerManosphere" – Lecture on misogynistic online subcultures - November 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m., hybrid
Lea Martin: When love ends with money – Financial violence against women - November 25, 2025, 5:00–7:00 p.m., hybrid
Kathi Heffe: From dick pics to deepfakes – Recognizing, naming, and acting on digital violence against women - November 27, 2025, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Karola Rosenberg: Domestic violence in family law: "It takes two to argue" – How false patterns of thinking prevent protection for women and children - November 27, 2025, 2:00–3:30 p.m., online
Dr. Sandra Schwark: Bystander interventions in cases of sexual harassment - December 1, 2025, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Veronika Kracher: Incels - December 3, 2025, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Jule Grienitz: Consent – Protection and pleasure
Events organized by the Lippe District Equality Office
The Lippe District Equality Office is also planning various events to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:
- November 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Filmbühne Bad Salzuflen
Women's movie night "Just a Woman." On the occasion of the International Day Against Violence Against Women
Box office and advance sales through Filmbühne Bad Salzuflen - November 25, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Hansa-Kino Lemgo
Movie: "SHE SAID." On the occasion of the International Day Against Violence Against Women,
admission is free. Registration at: www.vhs-detmold-lemgo.de - November 27, 2025, 6:30-7:30 p.m., online
Tragic isolated cases? Reporting on violence against women
Free of charge, registration at www.vhs-detmold-lemgo.de - November 27, 2025, 6:45 p.m., Hans-Kino Lemgo
Movie theater Film "Tomorrow is another day"
Admission: 15 euros
