WesBe – Study

Violence poses a significant threat to health and is associated with a wide range of physical and mental health consequences, including injuries, depression, substance abuse and reproductive health problems. In Germany, around 25 per cent of women have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a (former) partner since the age of 16. Women with disabilities, older women, migrant women and those in socio-economically precarious circumstances are particularly affected. Men are also increasingly experiencing partner violence, but are less likely to seek help.

The health system / health care sector is often one of the first points of contact, both in emergency situations and during routine check-ups. Nevertheless, experiences of violence are frequently not addressed there. This means that an opportunity for early detection and referral to specialised support services remains untapped. International standards such as the Istanbul Convention and WHO guidelines call for easy access to needs-based care that goes beyond acute treatment.

At present, however, there are significant differences between federal states and care structures. Research shows that medical services are often symptom-oriented and take too little account of the perspective of those affected. Women with disabilities, in particular, find it difficult to access adequate services. There is a widespread lack of a systematic overview of existing support services, as well as a lack of studies that take gender- and diversity-related differences into account.

The WesBe project aims to contribute to improving healthcare provision for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in line with their needs. By involving survivors, the project aims to identify factors that hinder or support gender- and diversity-sensitive care.

To investigate healthcare provision following domestic and sexual violence, the WesBe project employs a qualitative study design using methodological triangulation. This is based on the systematic collection and analysis of structural data from all 16 federal states (e.g. facilities’ websites, official statistics, annual reports). In addition, expert interviews are being conducted with representatives from the ministries in charge and analysed using content analysis to map the implementation of legal provisions and regional differences.

In a second step, qualitative interviews will be conducted with a total of approximately 48 affected individuals across four federal states. The selection of interviewees takes into account diversity-related criteria (e.g. gender, age, socio-economic status, disability, migration experience) in order to highlight different perspectives. The interviews will be managed using the problem-centred interview procedure and analysed using Kuckartz’s content analysis approach.

In addition, a multi-stage Delphi procedure will be carried out with approximately 15 experts (people affected, professionals from healthcare, advisory services, politics and health insurance providers). The aim is to develop consensus-based, related-to-practice recommendations for action.

The data will finally be analytically linked: structural data, interview results and Delphi findings will be correlated to systematically identify gaps in care and potential for improvement. This triangulation approach ensures that academic evidence, the perspectives of those affected and practical expertise are incorporated into the recommendations.