Assessment of Emergency Ambulance Services at Bremen-Mitte Hospital Reveals High Demand
In the heart of Bremen, Germany, the Violence Protection Ambulance (VPA) offers a beacon of hope for victims of violence at the Prof. Hess Parent-Child Center. This specialized service is a crucial component of the Bremen State Action Plan, titled "Implementing the Istanbul Convention - Protecting Women and Children from Violence", a local initiative designed to enforce the principles of the Istanbul Convention.
The Istanbul Convention, an international treaty of the Council of Europe, aims to eliminate violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and exploitation. Since Germany ratified the Convention in 2017, new offers have been created or existing ones have been expanded nationwide.
The VPA provides immediate, accessible aid to women and children affected by violence. Services offered include emergency medical care, psychological support, and coordination with police and social services to ensure victims' safety and to initiate legal proceedings if needed.
Dr. Saskia Etzold, the medical director of the center, and her colleague, case manager Ramona Rohlwing, have been instrumental in raising awareness about the service. They have distributed over 13,000 informational materials and given over 50 presentations.
The VPA's primary task is to document the circumstances and injuries resulting from violent crimes in writing and photographically, and to secure this documentation for potential criminal or civil proceedings. Confidentiality is paramount, and victims can contact the VPA by phone at (0421) 497 73920 or via email at [email protected].
Since the establishment of the center six months ago, over 90 victims of violence have sought its services. The center works closely with colleagues in gynecology and the Prof. Hess Parent-Child Center, offering services for victims of sexual violence and minors.
The VPA is a project within the Bremen State Action Plan and is funded by the Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection, with €1.2 million allocated for the setup phase until 2026. The center is located near the clinic's emergency room, providing swift assistance to victims who require immediate medical attention.
For more information about the Violence Protection Ambulance, visit www.gesundheitnord.de/gewaltschutzambulanz. The VPA is a testament to Bremen's commitment to combating violence against women and children, providing a critical line of defense in the fight against this pervasive issue.
- The Violence Protection Ambulance (VPA) in Bremen, a key element of the Bremen State Action Plan, takes steps to implement the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aiming to eradicate violence against women.
- The Istanbul Convention's objectives include eliminating domestic violence, sexual violence, and exploitation, and Germany has amplified these efforts nationwide since ratifying it in 2017.
- The VPA focuses on delivering immediate aid, medical care, and psychological support to victims of violence, while ensuring their safety by coordinating with law enforcement and social services, when necessary.
- In addition to assisting adult victims, the VPA collaborates with gynecology services and the Prof. Hess Parent-Child Center for addressing sexual violence and minor victims of violence.
- Given Dr. Saskia Etzold's and Ramona Rohlwing's dedication, they have conducted over 50 presentations and distributed 13,000 informational materials to raise awareness about the VPA's services.
- The VPA operates under the Bremen State Action Plan, with funding provided by the Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, with a budget of €1.2 million until 2026, and is situated near the clinic's emergency room for swift assistance.
