Around 80 people braved the slippery conditions and cold to show solidarity.
One billion – this figure represents the number of women and girls worldwide who, according to United Nations estimates, experience violence in their lifetime simply because they are female. A study on unreported cases published on Tuesday, focusing on the situation in Germany alone, suggests this estimate is likely too low.
This is reason enough to show solidarity and participate in One Billion Rising. Every year on February 14th, many people around the world come together to raise awareness, promote solidarity, and bring about change for a world without violence against women and girls.
In Delmenhorst, around 80 people gathered to express their demands for equality and an end to violence. In addition to the director of the Delmenhorst women's shelter, the responsible police officer also spoke, explaining the police procedures in cases of domestic violence. Both cited shocking figures, including up to 150 women seeking help who had to be turned away from the shelter last year due to a lack of adequate funding.
Finally, the traditional dance "Break the Chain" followed, in which the police officer ("If it helps, I'll of course dance along") and one or two mayoral candidates (it is election season after all) also joined.