Sexualized violence

Sexual offenses come in many different varieties and forms, for example:

• Hitting on the street
• verbal sexual harassment in the workplace
• sexualized atmosphere or assaults by people within the family or circle of friends
• sexualized assaults by doctors, teachers or strangers
• Rape

Any sexualized assault is extremely humiliating for those affected and hurts their self-image and self-esteem. The consequences for the victim can leave more than just visible physical marks. Victims often suffer from the psychological consequences of the crime for a long time.

The relationship of the victim to the perpetrator is not relevant to a crime. Whether married, friends, acquaintances or strangers: a "no" from the victim already makes the offender's actions a criminal offense. If the victim is unable to form or express an opposing will, for example because they have been drugged or are significantly impaired in forming or expressing their will due to their physical or mental condition, sexual acts of any kind are also punishable by law.

Anonymous forensic evidence collection (ASS)

Women who do not wish to report a crime immediately after a rape have the option of having the evidence collected anonymously and documented in a court of law. Further information can be found under the keyword ASS on this victim protection portal.

Find help quickly

The women's advice centres and the specialist advice centres against sexualized violence in North Rhine-Westphalia provide advice on all issues relating to sexualized violence and arrange help and support services.
www.frauennotrufe-nrw.de

The Women's Info Network against Violence offers information on free women's shelters for women who have experienced sexualized violence in a relationship.

The Ministry for Gender Equality of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has compiled helpful offers for girls and women who are affected by violence.

The "Stronger than violence" initiative of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth provides information about forms of violence and calls on people to stand up against violence and help those affected.

Victims of sexualized violence can find detailed information about the types of sexual offences and what they can do as victims on the following police websites:

Police North Rhine-Westphalia
www.polizei.nrw.de

Police crime prevention of the federal and state governments
www.polizei-beratung.de