Ostholstein District Plans Second Women's Shelter
The district of Ostholstein is planning a second women's shelter with 24 places for victims of domestic violence. A decision to expand capacity was made in November 2023.
The Ostholstein district in Schleswig-Holstein is planning to establish a second women's shelter to address a growing need for protection against domestic violence. The new facility is intended to offer 24 places for women and children fleeing abusive relationships.
The existing shelter services in the district are currently overwhelmed, making it difficult to accommodate all individuals seeking refuge. A similar situation exists in the nearby city of Lübeck, where approximately 700 women seek shelter annually, but around 600 are turned away due to lack of space, according to the city's gender equality officer.
The district's main and finance committee had already decided in November 2023 to expand shelter capacity. Construction and completion of the new facility are anticipated by 2027, with potential funding from the state government.
Ostholstein District is now seeking associations and institutions willing to take over the operational responsibility for the new shelter. The initiative comes amidst ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the availability of adequate support services for victims.