A “network” for women in difficulty

Saarland is among the smallest German Lander with the history of a frontier region. It is located in the heart of southwest Germany, between the great and densely populated federal region of Rhineland-Palatinate, France, and Luxembourg. It underwent historical vicissitudes also because of its large coal deposits and its metal industry. For this reason it was violently hit by the economic crisis linked to the closing of mining activities and the disposal of steelworks. But slow recovery began at the beginning of the twenty-first century, notably because of reconversion activities to new forms of industry. In this federal state the social question has dragged on for years, owing to a sudden drop in unemployment, and for the central role of the female population, which the economy and the society of the Saarland depended upon in different historical periods. Today SkF – Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen eV Ortsverein Saarbrücken (Social Service of Catholic Women – local Association of Saarbrücken) set up in 1899, plays a vital role in Saarland’s society. SkF has developed a network of local interventions to protect, help and support women who experience difficulties of any kind. A few days ago, on the occasion of the presentation of the biennial report on 2013-2014 activities was also confirmed the continuation of new actions in favor of women with problems of mental nature, in a protected home, with 24-hour assistance, to attempt to recreate autonomous and safe lives. Experience that creates solidarity. Elisabeth-Zillken-Haus is the heart of SkF activities. The first centre was founded in 1971 in Saarbrücken for single and poor women, abandoned women with children. It was active especially in situations of emergency. With time this commitment expanded to include assistance aimed at the development and creation of new life prospects. The Home offers ongoing protection and care, especially in terms of education for children. “First emergency” remains one of the main features of the Elisabeth-Zillken-Haus: in fact at any hour of the day or night, including holidays, calls for help and reception are registered, regardless the social status of the person involved. In fact, the home is open both to those who enjoy social benefits and to self-payers. There are services exclusively dedicated women with physical disabilities and, as a result of the increase in mental problems linked to past abuse, abandonment, and sexual violence (over 800 cases a year registered in Saarland in recent years), a protected home for mentally ill women was established, and confirmed for the future. Beyond the emergency. “We intend to help these women return to normal lives and stand on their own two feet”, said SkF chairwoman Gaby Schäfer. The atmosphere encourages the creation of a new life, with an independent room, and the awareness of sharing personal problems with qualified staff, receiving physical support, cultural stimuli, and most of all, constant understanding. This is the distinctive mark of all the services offered by the Elisabeth-Zillken-Haus. Permanent assistance to women and to their children going through emergency situations, for example, is offered to women of age, to mothers with children and pregnant women without appropriate lodging facilities (for having escaped from their home environment or other forms of violence, illness, family conflicts …). Protection is offered against persecution and further violence. Women receive help and advice, also for the purchase of housing facilities, administrative matters, to create or maintain an economic base and for health problems. The structure is a protected home, and as in the case of women with mental health problems, mothers have their own bedroom, and if they have children they live with them. Collaboration with the police. Among the 800 annual cases involving women in the Saarland, those linked to domestic violence and stalking are increasing. The director of Caritas Saarbrücken, Christine Theisen, highlighted “the proactive approach marking the commitment of the Elisabeth-Zillken-Haus, notably the cooperation with the local police, with the consent of the victims”. Theisen said it’s important to be reassured by reliable data, as “the counseling team tries to establish contacts with the victim and convey this for further investigation, if necessary”. All 70 professional employees of the Elisabeth-Zillken-Haus, besides the many SKF volunteer experts, assure their complete dedication to Saarland women.