Taina Bofferding (centre left), Luxembourg’s Minister for Equality between Women and Men, at the prevention campaign raising awareness on the topic of domestic violence, at Cactus Belle Etoile;
Credit: MEGA
The Luxembourg Ministry of Equality between Women and Men recently organised a prevention campaign raising awareness on the topic of domestic violence, in collaboration with the Cactus Group at Cactus Belle Etoile.
This information and awareness day, held on Saturday 22 April 2023, informed the public about the different forms of domestic violence and the various offers of assistance available in the Grand Duchy at the stands of the ministry’s partners: the Pro Familia foundation, the Riicht Eraus (translation: straight out) service of the Luxembourg Red Cross and the Femmes en Détresse (women in distress) association with its assistance service for victims of domestic violence (SAVVD) and psychological service for children and adolescent victims of domestic violence (S-PSYEA). The Grand Ducal Police were also present.
The Pro Familia foundation, a Dudelange-based establishment recognised as being of public utility since 1988, offers reception, information, consultation, training and social guidance for families, children and adolescents, single people and couples alike.
The Red Cross’ Riicht Eraus service, created in 2004, provides a contact point for perpetrators of domestic violence, whether they have been convicted or not. Perpetrators evicted from their homes by the police have to report to Riicht Eraus within fourteen days and to make an appointment.
The association Art Attitudes presented theatrical performances highlighting the importance of equality between women and men and the impact of gender stereotypes. The group staged different situations of domestic violence, thus depicting different violent acts and behaviours concerning both women and men, but also children, including physical, sexual and psychological violence.
A dialogue with the public followed, to discuss and reflect on the different forms of violence and the possibilities for help and action.
Luxembourg’s Minister for Equality between Women and Men, Taina Bofferding, who attended the event, highlighted the importance of intervention: “Domestic violence remains a matter of concern in Luxembourg and it is absolutely essential to meet the population on the public square, to talk about the subject, to raise awareness and above all to inform about the many offers of help that are already on offer,” adding that this was a novel strategy of reaching people in places where daily life unfolds.
During the course of the day, many individuals consulted the different departments and received personalised advice and explanations.
