❗ In acute emergencies

The BIG Hotline is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
📞 030 611 0300 or call the police on 110.

www.big-hotline.de ✉️ beratung@big-hotline.de

Who do we offer advice to?

We provide support to women affected by domestic violence. Violence can take the form of:

  • physical violence
  • psychological violence
  • sexual violence
  • isolation

Goals of counseling

Our primary aim is to strengthen your safety and sense of autonomy. To this end, we work together on:

  • Immediate protection & crisis management
  • Mental stabilisation
  • Practical solutions
  • Harnessing your resources and strengths
  • Long-term prospects
  • Support with reorientation – whether in terms of housing, work or your social environment

The counseling process

  1. Initial contact
    You can talk about your situation in a safe and confidential setting – without any time pressure and with complete discretion. We will listen to you and take your experiences seriously.

  2. Mental stabilisation
    Together, we will work to alleviate your immediate stress. This includes:
    • Strategies for emotional relief
    • Information about your rights and the support available

  3. Assessing the situation
    We assess your situation: Are there any immediate dangers? What resources do you have at your disposal?

  4. Outlining the options
    We inform you about:
    • Protection options (e.g. a place in a women’s shelter or emergency accommodation)
    • Legal action (e.g. reporting the incident to the police, custody arrangements)
    • Practical support (e.g. moving house, financial assistance)

  5. Defining solutions together
    Based on your needs, we define concrete steps together:
    • Immediate measures in the event of acute danger
    • Long-term prospects (e.g. treatment, new living arrangements)

  6. Follow-up & support
    It’s up to you to decide what happens next. We offer:
    • Follow-up appointments to support your stability
    • Referrals to specialist services (e.g. women’s shelters, solicitors)
    • Ongoing support – even after the crisis

If necessary, a solution to the problem can be worked out over the course of several counselling sessions.