Everything You Need to Know About Women’s Shelters (Frauenhaus) and How to Seek Protection

Everything You Need to Know About Women’s Shelters (Frauenhaus) and How to Request Refuge in Germany

In Germany, women’s shelters (Frauenhäuser) are a safe haven for women and children who are affected by domestic violence – whether physical, psychological, sexual or even economic.
These shelters provide victims with immediate and confidential protection, as well as comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives away from fear and danger.

What is a Frauenhaus?

A Frauenhaus (women’s shelter) is a protected accommodation specifically for women who experience violence. It offers them – and their children – a temporary, safe and confidential place to stay.
The locations of many shelters are kept secret in order to protect residents from further threats or attempts by the perpetrator to track them down.

Who can go to a Frauenhaus?

A Frauenhaus is open in particular to:

• women who are experiencing any form of domestic violence

• women who are threatened with violence or who no longer feel safe in their homes

• women with their children, even if the children are not direct victims of violence

In general, no specific residence status or health insurance coverage is required.
This means that shelters are accessible to all women, including migrant women and refugees.

What services does a Frauenhaus provide?

Depending on the facility, a Frauenhaus may offer:

• Safe accommodation:
  Furnished rooms or apartments for women and their children in a protected environment.

• Psychological and social counselling:
  Support in dealing with the consequences of violence and trauma, and help to rebuild self-confidence and make new life decisions.

• Legal assistance:
  Help in obtaining protection orders, contact and restraining orders (Kontaktverbot) and other measures under the Protection Against Violence Act (Gewaltschutzgesetz), as well as advice on separation and divorce.

• Support with authorities and paperwork:
  Assistance in dealing with offices such as the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt), the Foreigners’ Office, the Jobcenter and other public bodies.

• Support for children:
  Educational and psychological activities for children, support in attending kindergarten or school and help in coping with their experiences.

How can you request refuge in a Frauenhaus?

1. Telephone contact

You can call the Frauenhaus in your city or region directly.
There are specific phone numbers listed on the websites of the organisations that run the shelters, as well as the national helpline for violence against women: 08000 116 016, which is free of charge and confidential.

2. Contact via the police or counselling centres

In acute danger, the police or social support services can arrange contact with a Frauenhaus directly and organise the immediate transfer of the victim – and her children – to the shelter if necessary.

3. Emergency visit

In some cases, it may be possible to go directly to a Frauenhaus if the address is known.
However, in most situations, the exact location is only disclosed after a telephone conversation, in order to maintain confidentiality and security.

What should I bring with me?

If there is enough time and it is safe to do so, it is advisable to bring:

• Identification documents (passport, residence permit, health insurance card)

• Any important medication

• Basic clothing and personal items for yourself and your children

• Children’s documents (birth certificates, vaccination records, school documents)

In many emergency situations, however, the most important thing is to reach a safe place quickly.
Any missing items or documents can usually be organised later with the help of the Frauenhaus staff and the authorities.

How long can you stay in a Frauenhaus?

There is no fixed maximum length of stay. The duration depends on the individual circumstances.
The aim is to support the woman until she:

• can move into her own, safe accommodation, or

• has arranged the legal and social steps necessary to start an independent, violence-free life.

Is staying in a Frauenhaus free of charge?

In most cases, the costs are covered by:

• the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) or

• the Jobcenter

Women who have sufficient financial resources may be required to contribute to the costs in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Why are Frauenhäuser so important?

A Frauenhaus is much more than just a roof over your head. For many women, it is the first and decisive step towards a new life in safety and dignity.
Women’s shelters are a key part of Germany’s social and legal protection system, which places the safety of women and children at its core.

Conclusion

The Frauenhaus in Germany represents hope, safety and a new beginning for every woman who has experienced domestic violence.
If you – or a woman you know – is in danger, do not hesitate to seek help. There are always doors open and people ready to support you, and the law stands on the side of victims.

Important German terms

• Frauenhaus: women’s shelter / safe house for women

• Schutzunterkunft: protected accommodation

• Sozialamt: Social Welfare Office

• Kontaktverbot: contact / restraining order

• Gewaltschutzgesetz: Protection Against Violence Act

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The team of writers and editors on the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of various sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may not be fully confirmed. Therefore, the information contained in the articles should be regarded as an initial reference only; for binding and up-to-date information, you should always contact the competent authorities and professional institutions.