Campaign to Promote Emergency Medical Care Following Rape
Starting Monday, November 9, the information screens on ESWE Verkehr buses will display information about emergency medical care following rape in Wiesbaden. The campaign runs through Sunday, December 13, and is made possible by funding from the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth, and Social Affairs (HMAIJS).
The occasion marks the tenth anniversary of the program in Wiesbaden. The Emergency Medical Care Following Rape program was launched in 2016 by the Municipal Women’s Affairs Office and has since been supported by the state capital both in terms of content and funding. Medical care is now largely financed by statutory health insurance providers.
Rape survivors in Wiesbaden can receive free medical care and have evidence preserved in a manner admissible in court—even if they initially decide not to file a police report. Care is provided at the Helios Dr. Horst Schmidt Clinics and the Asklepios Paulinen Clinic in Wiesbaden.
Mayor Christiane Hinninger says: “Sexual violence leaves physical and emotional scars. It is important that survivors receive medical help quickly and can decide for themselves what further steps to take. With the advertisements on the ESWE buses, we reach people in their everyday lives and draw attention to this service.”
As a rule, the vast majority of victims know their perpetrators; the crime often occurs in their own home or at work. This can make the decision to file a report more difficult. This is exactly where the service comes in: Survivors receive medical care, counseling, and the option of confidential evidence collection. Filing a police report is not a requirement. This allows time to learn about next steps and makes it possible to make a decision without feeling pressured.
Saskia Veit-Prang, Municipal Women’s Affairs Officer for the state capital of Wiesbaden, adds: “After a rape, many survivors are in shock and need a sense of safety first and foremost. No one has to decide immediately whether to file a report. The Emergency Medical Assistance program offers medical care, counseling, and the option to make a decision later.”
Wiesbaden is one of fourteen model regions in Hesse participating in the statewide project “Emergency Medical Care After Rape” run by the Frankfurt Women’s Emergency Hotline. The goal is to improve acute medical care for survivors of sexual violence.
This service is also available in the Rheingau-Taunus district, which is part of the Wiesbaden pilot region.
Information about the project in Wiesbaden is available here: Hospitals: Emergency Care After Rape (opens in a new tab).
This press release is issued by the Press Office of the State Capital of Wiesbaden, Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden, pressereferatwiesbadende Citizens with questions can contact the responsible department or office.