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A collaboration between pro familia, the city and the hospital has been supporting those affected since 2015.
The city of Darmstadt, a center for science and research, is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its "Immediate Medical Assistance after Rape" project. This collaborative effort between pro familia Darmstadt, the Violence Protection Network, and the Darmstadt Clinic has been providing victims with a safe haven for medical care, psychological support, and legally admissible forensic evidence collection since 2015 – regardless of whether a criminal complaint is filed.
The support program closes an important gap in care.
This service is aimed at women, men, and young people and provides confidential, immediate support after sexual violence. Medical care and forensic evidence collection take place at the Darmstadt Clinic. Upon request, evidence will be stored for three years at the Frankfurt Institute of Forensic Medicine. The project covers the costs, even without a police report being filed.
Mayor and Women's Affairs Officer Barbara Akdeniz emphasizes the importance of the cooperation. The city has supported the project since its inception and will raise awareness of the service in 2025 with an information campaign on buses and trams. The aim is to inform those affected about their rights and available support services.
Consultation and care according to international standards
Pro Familia staff provide ongoing support to victims upon request, inform them about possible next steps, and supply evidence collection kits. This service is based on the Istanbul Convention, which guarantees the right to comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and forensic care – easily accessible, non-discriminatory, and free of charge.
Dr. Katharina Rohmert from pro familia Darmstadt emphasizes the importance of the network. The collaboration between counseling centers, the hospital, and municipal services enables qualified support for those affected.
The network against violence works closely together
The "Medical Emergency Care after Rape" program is embedded in the violence prevention network. Counseling centers, women's shelters, police, the justice system, youth welfare offices, and other institutions work together to combat domestic and sexualized violence and support victims.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image: The examination kit used to secure evidence after sexual violence, which is then stored for three years at the forensic medicine institute in Frankfurt. Photo: University Hospital
