Specialist counselling centres against sexualised violence Hamburg

The work of the specialist counselling centres focuses on counselling for children and adolescents affected by sexualised violence as well as for young adults who have experienced sexualised violence in their childhood and adolescence. Consultations are also offered for caregivers and professionals. The consultations are free, confidential, anonymous and voluntary. In addition to consultations, the specialist advice centres also carry out prevention work as well as networking and public relations work. The specialist counselling centres act in accordance with §§ 11(3)(6), 8(3), 8b and 16 of SGB VIII (Child and Youth Welfare). Through the advice and support provided by the specialist counselling centres, those affected have the opportunity to talk about the sexual violence experienced and to process the experiences of violence and thus experience stabilisation. They offer support in overcoming fears and psychosomatic complaints and serve to reduce the developmental disorders and behaviors caused by sexualized violence. Caregivers of affected children and adolescents are supported in coping with educational and relationship problems with affected children and adolescents, so that they can also support the children and adolescents well. Specialists, apprentices and volunteers in the field of children and young people are enabled by professional advice to take preventive action in their respective field of work and, for example, to plan further steps in individual cases in case of suspicion and to be competent contact persons for affected children and young people. The work of the Child Protection Centre is aimed at preventing and alleviating all forms of family violence – child neglect, physical and psychological violence and sexual violence against children. To this end, the parent-child relationship is strengthened and mothers, fathers and children can develop competences to deal with conflicts constructively and to communicate with each other without the use of violence. Families affected by violence and professionals who care for children and their families also receive advice and support at the Child Protection Centre. In addition, the (professional) public is informed about the background of violence against children, about prevention and assistance options for parents and children. The work takes place on the basis of §§ 11(3)(6), 8(3), 8a, 8b, 16 of SGB VIII and § 4 KKG.