Women’s shelter

What is a Frauenhaus in Germany? A Comprehensive Guide

In Germany, a Frauenhaus (women’s shelter) is a safe refuge for women who are exposed to domestic violence or who find themselves in situations that pose a serious threat to their safety. These shelters offer immediate protection for women (and their children, if any), as well as social, psychological and legal support. In this comprehensive guide, we explain in detail what a Frauenhaus is, which services it provides, how to access it, how to make use of its support, and what major developments have taken place up to 2025.

1. Definition and role of the Frauenhaus in Germany

A Frauenhaus is a secure shelter for women who are affected by domestic violence or by severe threats to their physical and mental integrity. Its main purpose is to enable women to escape the cycle of violence and to provide them – and their children (if present) – with a safe environment where they can receive immediate protection and assistance.

Main goals of a Frauenhaus

Immediate protection:
Emergency admission of women at any time of day or night. In most cases, the address of the shelter is kept confidential to ensure safety and anonymity.
Psychosocial support:
Psychologists and social workers offer counselling and stabilising support.
Legal assistance:
Guidance on legal steps such as applying for protection orders, filing criminal complaints, or initiating divorce proceedings.
Empowerment and independence:
Support in entering the labour market, finding independent housing, or continuing education and training.

2. Who is a Frauenhaus for?

Women experiencing domestic violence:
This includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse by a husband, partner or other family members.
Girls and young women facing family violence or forced marriage:
Shelters can provide protection for those threatened with forced marriage or severe family violence.
Mothers with children:
Mothers are usually allowed to bring their children with them to ensure that they are not exposed to violent environments.
Women threatened by so-called “honour crimes”:
If there are serious threats, Frauenhäuser can offer a secure place to stay.

Note: Regardless of nationality or legal status (refugees, migrants without secure residence, German citizens), a woman can generally be admitted to a Frauenhaus if she urgently needs safety.

3. Main services provided in a Frauenhaus

3.1 Accommodation and protection

Safe and confidential location:
The address of most Frauenhäuser is not publicly known, in order to protect the women staying there.
Shared living arrangements:
Depending on the house, women and their children have their own rooms, while bathrooms, kitchens and common rooms are often shared.

3.2 Psychological and social counselling

Psychological support:
Regular sessions with psychologists or counsellors help survivors process their experiences and regain emotional stability.
Social support:
Assistance in accessing financial aid, housing, education and in dealing with public offices such as the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) and the Jobcenter.

3.3 Legal assistance

Legal orientation:
Information on divorce procedures, protection orders under the Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz), child custody and visitation rights.
Referral to specialists:
Contact with specialised lawyers for family law and domestic violence, as well as help in arranging interpreters for legal proceedings or appointments with authorities.

3.4 Support for children

Targeted support:
Children can receive their own support and activities to help them cope with what they have experienced and to stabilise their mental health.
Cooperation with schools and childcare:
Staff coordinate with schools and kindergartens to maintain or re-establish the children’s education in a safe environment.

4. How to access a Frauenhaus

By phone:
There are local and national hotlines for domestic violence (for example 08000 116 016 in Germany), which provide immediate counselling and can refer women to a nearby Frauenhaus.
Many of these hotlines offer support in multiple languages or can connect interpreters.

In acute emergencies (via police):
If a woman’s life is in immediate danger, she can call the police (110). The police cooperate with shelters and can arrange direct transfer to a safe Frauenhaus.
In some cases, admission is organised through social services, hospitals or specialised counselling centres.

Via online information from women’s organisations:
Many organisations provide interactive maps and databases listing shelters across Germany.
It is often possible to contact them by e-mail or via secure chats.

Note: For safety reasons, the exact addresses of Frauenhäuser are usually not published, in order to prevent perpetrators from tracking the women down.

5. Length of stay and funding

5.1 Length of stay

There is usually no rigid time limit. Women stay until a suitable housing solution is found or until they have regained enough economic and social stability.
On average, stays may range from a few weeks to several months, or even up to a year, depending on the severity of the situation and the level of support needed.

5.2 Funding

Public funding:
Depending on the federal state and municipality, Frauenhäuser are financed partly or fully through public funds.
Social benefits:
Many residents receive financial support such as Bürgergeld or other social benefits that help cover their costs of living in the shelter.
Charities and donations:
Donations, church organisations and foundations also contribute significantly to funding and maintaining services.

6. Recent developments up to 2025

6.1 Digitalisation and online counselling

Expansion of online counselling for women who cannot leave their homes or are being closely monitored by their partners or family members.
Development of secure platforms for video or text-based counselling with specialists in domestic violence.

6.2 Increasing capacity

Due to growing public awareness of domestic violence, additional funding has been provided to increase the number of beds, especially in large cities.
Nationwide campaigns encouraging the creation of more shelters in rural areas with limited services.

6.3 Focus on migrant and refugee women

Many shelters now provide interpreters and multilingual information materials.
Closer cooperation with immigration authorities and social services ensures that women with insecure residence status can access protection without automatically risking their right to stay.

6.4 Cultural sensitivity

Training for staff on cultural backgrounds, family structures, issues related to “honour”, forced marriage and similar topics.
Cooperation with women’s organisations and migrant associations to promote awareness of violence prevention and women’s rights.

7. Frequently asked questions about Frauenhäuser

7.1 Do I need police approval or a police report to enter a Frauenhaus?
No. Women can access Frauenhäuser via hotlines, counselling centres or social services, even without filing an official police report. However, from a legal perspective, reporting violence to the police is often advisable to ensure long-term protection.

7.2 Do I have to pay for my stay in a Frauenhaus?
In many cases, the costs are covered by social benefits (for example, through the Jobcenter or Social Welfare Office), especially if the woman has no or very low income.
If she has her own income, she may be asked to contribute a share. Each case is assessed individually.

7.3 What about older sons staying with their mothers?
Policies differ between shelters. Some Frauenhäuser allow boys up to a certain age (for example 14 or 16) to stay with their mothers. For older boys, alternative housing solutions may be considered.

7.4 Can a woman leave the shelter and come back later if necessary?
Generally, yes. Frauenhäuser are not closed institutions; women may leave. However, safety rules – such as keeping the address confidential – must be respected. If a woman returns, her situation and need for protection are reassessed.

8. Advice for women seeking help and for supporters

Know your rights:
Inform yourself about your legal rights in Germany in relation to domestic violence, and contact counselling centres if you need clarification.
Prepare essential documents:
If possible, keep your ID or passport, health insurance card, important financial documents and your children’s documents in a safe, easily accessible place.
Use discreet communication:
Consider using a separate phone, a new e-mail address or encrypted messaging apps to contact shelters or counselling centres, especially if you fear your phone is being monitored.
Seek community support:
Reach out to women’s centres, migrant organisations or refugee support groups for language assistance and culturally sensitive help.
In immediate danger, call for help:
If you are in acute danger, do not hesitate to call the police (110) or the national domestic violence hotline.

9. Conclusion

Frauenhäuser in Germany are a lifeline for women who experience domestic violence or no longer feel safe in their family environment. With the ongoing expansion of places and support services up to 2025, more and more women – regardless of their origin, religion or residence status – are reached and supported. The core message is clear: violence is not something you have to endure. There are safe places, support systems and legal mechanisms that can help you start a life free from violence.

Learning about Frauenhäuser and their services can fundamentally change the life of a woman at risk. Awareness and the courage to ask for help are the first crucial steps towards greater safety, self-determination and dignity for women in Germany.

* Our editorial team strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not yet fully confirmed. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded as an initial reference only. For binding and up-to-date information, always consult the responsible authorities and official institutions.