Domestic Violence & Abuse experiences to African immigrant Women & Men in Germany.
The primary purpose of this article is to bring awareness, educate, and give practical guidance.
1. Introduction: This article has been written with the sole purpose of bringing awareness, educating and giving practical advice to all African immigrants on the issue of domestic violence and abuse in Germany.
2. Understanding Domestic Violence:
Definition: DVA is a global issue. It is not limited to any age group, social and economic status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or race/ ethnic group.
Forms of Abuse:
Physical :(hitting /pushing)
Emotional :(Threats/Isolation)
Economic: (Controlling money/ Fraud)
Sexual :( Non-consensual acts )
Digital: (Tracking, Online Threats)
3. Specific Challenges for African Immigrant Women
Cultural Barriers: – Pressure to keep family issues private
– Patriarchal norms from the country of origin.
Legal Barriers: -Residency tied to marriage or abuse
-Fear of deportation
Distrust of Police or German authorities, especially the immigration and Jugendamt
Economic Dependence: -Limited job access
-Lack of qualifications recognition
4. Warning Signs of Toxic or Abusive Relationships:
Jealousy or Possessiveness.
Controlling who you can see or where you go.
Gaslighting or Blame-shifting.
Sudden love-bombing followed by sudden withdrawal and silence.
Pressuring into a quick marriage or live-in and Dependence
Verbal humiliation and threats (intimidation).
Stalking.
4a.Special Risks for New Arrivals under 35 years:
-Being targeted by men who intentionally exploit immigration vulnerability
-Offers of “help” that become tactics for control.
-Isolation from the community and church.
5. Solutions & Recommendations:
Empowerment Through Information:
-Know your rights regardless of immigration status.
-Educate yourself about German law & Women’s protection policies in Germany.
Building Community:
-Connect with local African groups or women’s support groups.
-Learn the German language to reduce isolation and enable yourself to be integrated locally.
Seek Support Early:
-Counselling, Hotline support, and Legal aid.
Legal Protection:
-Report to the Police.
-Apply for independent residency(under section 31 of Residence Act.)
Work and Education:
-Enrol in integration courses.
-Enrol in Vocational training.
6. Where To Seek Help In Germany
–Organisation: Violence Against Women: Women’s Hotline (116 016) 24/7 services and Anonymous help available.Multiple languages
–Men’s Hotline.Free hotline: 0800123990 for men Monday to Thursday 8oo-20oo, Friday 8oo-15oo
Maennerhilfetelefon.de:
Homepage/Hilfetelefon.de:Hilfetelefon Gewalt an Männern
–Women’s Shelter (Frauenhaus): Emergency housing & usually multilingual.
-Da Migra: Support for migrant women.German/English and other languages.
-Pro Asyl– Legal aid to refugees. Multilingual.
Frauenhauskoordinnierung: 08000 116 016 Help in finding shelter—Online database.
Caritas-Germany.org
Diakonie .de
AWO.org
Kenyan Women in Germany e. V. is a Kenyan NGO with voluntary representatives in all German states, to help stranded DVA (male or female) victims . There is a domestic violence group that will connect them to resources to receive help according to their needs.
Very important: in case of immediate danger to yourself, property or children. Please call the Police regardless of your resident status. The “myth ” of deportation is an abuser’s tactic to keep you bonded in abuse.
Closing Remarks: Many dream of travelling abroad, working, and living in Germany permanently. This is a great idea. However, there is practical advice for newcomers.
-Do not rush into a live-in relationship or marriage to someone you barely know.
-Watch out for control disguised as “protection”
-Learn about the system before you trust someone unquestioningly.
-Keep your documents, passport, identity card, medical and transport card safely.
Journal anything out of the ordinary”abuse hints”; do not ignore the verbal ones.
–Trust your instincts. Fear or Shame are Signals.
