Orange Day – International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

+++ Trigger warning: The following text is about violence against women* +++

While you’re out and about, you may notice some buildings being lit up orange! And some of those buildings will include the CB building at the Caprivi Campus, the refectory at Westerberg and the main entrance at the Lingen Campus. While you may think we’re doing this to get into the Christmas mood, buildings all over Germany will be illuminating in orange light to promote an important social issue: The 25th November is “Orange Day” – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

What is “Orange Day”?

In course of the “Orange the world” campaign by the United Nations, the colour orange was determined as a symbol for a future free of violence against women*. This day aims to strengthen women’s rights in general and to support programs that pursue this intention.

Why is this issue so important?

Unfortunately, violence against women* is still one of the most common human rights violations today. As a result, every day in Germany a man tries to kill his partner and every third day he succeeds. According to the Police Crime Statistics for 2017, 141 women and 32 men were killed by their partners. The BKA reports more than 63,700 cases of crimes against sexual self-determination in 2017, 93% of whose victims were female.

It is therefore important to recognize that these are not isolated cases or “relationship crimes”, but that violence against women* is a relevant social problem.

What can I do?

This campaign day is just the first step. After that, it’s your turn!

The distribution of often life-saving hotlines is an important contribution to the prevention of violence. For this purpose, the Violence against Women Helpline has launched the campaign “We break the silence”. In this context, either a selfie or motif can be posted under the hashtag #schweigenbrechen in order to spread awareness. You can find more information on their website.

It’s also important to be aware of universal signs, such as the hand gesture for domestic violence – raise your hand, bend your thumb, and then slowly close the other four fingers into a fist over your thumb. This allows affected individuals to give a discreet indication.

Where can I get help?

If you have been affected by violence, you can get support around the clock from the Violence against Women helpline on 08000 166 16 or on their website www.hilfetelefon.de via chat. Telephone counselling is available in 17 different languages.

As a student at the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, you can also reach out to the Equal Opportunity Office at hilfe-bei-belaestigung@hs-osnabrueck.de or call them at 0173 9619298.

And of course, the AStA is at your side as a contact point.