To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, the town of Rodgau sent a clear signal against discrimination and violence by hoisting the Terre des Femmes flag in front of the town hall. The flag bears the message: "Live free - without violence". The event, which was attended by representatives of the associations "Frauen helfen Frauen", "Frauen treffen Frauen", "Frauen in der SPD", "Frauenunion", "Frauen Bündnis 90/Die Grünen", "Frauen im VdK" and "Frauen im Ausländerbeirat", as well as First City Councillor Janika Martin, emphasised the city's commitment to a society in which women and girls can live free, safe and self-determined lives. The United Nations officially proclaimed 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999. Despite this international recognition, women around the world are still affected by violence in the 21st century and have to fight for rights that seem to be taken for granted. The city of Rodgau reminds us that violence against women in all its forms continues to be a pressing problem, also in Germany and in the district of Offenbach. The speakers pointed out alarming local figures: Offenbach district currently lacks 26 family rooms for women and children affected by violence. The police crime statistics (PKS) 2024 recorded 461 women in the district of Offenbach as victims of domestic violence last year. In addition, there is a high number of unreported cases, which the police and the Weißer Ring estimate at 80 - 90 per cent more victims.
