Fundamental principles

According to Article 1 of the Basic Law, the dignity of every woman is inviolable.

Article 2 states that every woman has the right to the free development of her personality and physical integrity. The protection of women and children from violence is thus a duty of the state.

The women’s movement of the seventies and eighties has removed the taboos from the issue of violence against women and their children within the family. The founding of women’s shelters is an achievement of this women’s movement. As a result, the counselling and support work with women affected by violence and their children has been further developed and professionalised. Women’s shelters are today an indispensable part of the public help system. We see our work within the tradition of this development.