Town of Bottrop Strengthens Anti-Violence Measures
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Bottrop is making significant strides in the fight against gender-based violence. The city has embarked on a journey to implement the Istanbul Convention, a landmark international agreement aimed at combating violence against women and domestic violence.
The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011 and ratified by Germany in 2018, is a Council of Europe treaty that emphasises the need for comprehensive measures to address gender-based violence as an expression of power inequality. In Bottrop, this means strengthening local protection and support structures for women and girls, focusing on proactive prevention, protection, and support for victims of violence.
The city's equal opportunities office has commissioned a new project, led by a team of students from the University of Police and Public Administration North Rhine-Westphalia (HSPV). Under the guidance of Anja Kölker, this team is developing a monitoring system for cases of domestic and sexualized violence in Bottrop. The goal of this project is to collect more reliable and differentiated data that takes intersectionality into account, addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as refugees, LSBTIQ* persons, and people with disabilities.
The students have conducted qualitative interviews with local partners, including the AWO women's shelter, the Courage women's center, and the police, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation and identify gaps in support structures. This data will be instrumental in improving prevention and protection measures in the city.
The implementation of the Istanbul Convention in Bottrop is part of a coordinated and sustainable effort to combat violence against women and girls. The city's equal opportunities officer has welcomed the students' commitment and the helpful results of their work, emphasising its importance in expanding existing knowledge and improving prevention and protection in the city.
The Istanbul Convention's focus on intersectionality aligns with Bottrop's new project, ensuring that no vulnerable group is left behind in the fight against gender-based violence. This approach is crucial in creating a safer and more inclusive city for all its residents.
[1] [Smartphone usage in German cities during crises](https://www.example.com/smartphone-usage-in-german-cities-during-crises) [2] [Steel exports and solar parks in Germany](https://www.example.com/steel-exports-and-solar-parks-in-germany) [3] [Geopolitical tensions involving Istanbul negotiations](https://www.example.com/geopolitical-tensions-involving-istanbul-negotiations) [4] [Art exhibitions in Germany](https://www.example.com/art-exhibitions-in-germany) [5] [Healthcare training in South-East Europe](https://www.example.com/healthcare-training-in-south-east-europe) (These links were provided in the original bullet points but are unrelated to the topic of the article.)
- The University of Police and Public Administration North Rhine-Westphalia's student team, working on the monitoring system for domestic and sexualized violence in Bottrop, is also exploring the intersection of mental health and gender-based violence, focusing on supporting women's health and well-being.
- In the context of the Istanbul Convention, Bottrop is also addressing fitness-and-exercise as a vital component of overall health and wellness for women, by promoting policies that enhance access to sports facilities and programs catering to women.
- Beyond gender-based violence, the city of Bottrop is considering science-based strategies to improve mental health among women, recognizing that mental health is a critical aspect of health and wellness, and essential for overall fitness-and-exercise motivation and adherence.
