25 years of turning point: women's advice in Cologne-Mülheim is on the rise!

25 years of turning point: women's advice in Cologne-Mülheim is on the rise!

The Turning Point association in Cologne, which specializes in supporting women, celebrated its 25th anniversary at the beginning of the month. Founded in 2000 on the initiative of the Greens, the organization has developed from humble beginnings in Cologne-Kalk into a central advice and violence protection center in Cologne-Mülheim. Marina Walch, the first employee, was responsible for counseling victims of domestic violence and was dependent on the support of the police, who referred women to the facility. Today, Turning Point offers a variety of services aimed at breaking the cycle of violence, particularly for women and their children.

The team of 13 employees advises in four languages ​​and offers free and anonymous support for those affected by domestic violence. These include topics such as stalking, separation, sexual violence as well as psychosocial counseling and crisis intervention. In 2022, 265,942 people in Germany were affected by domestic violence, with 73% of the victims being women. 95% of the turning point's clients are women, which underlines the importance of this facility in the region.

Diverse support offers

The counseling offering is extremely diverse and is provided not only for women, but also for affected men and queer people. Advice can be received by telephone, email or in person. Trouble with the authorities, financial problems or questions about unemployment benefit II are just some of the challenges with which those seeking advice can turn to specialist advice. This reminds us that many women are faced with the threat of homelessness or have to deal with family or partner conflicts.

The “Violence Against Women” helpline recorded a record number of consultations in 2024, which points to the increasing need for such support. The report states that 72 percent of consultations took place in the areas of domestic and sexual violence. Despite this increased demand, there are challenges in the assistance system, such as long waiting times and a lack of space in women's shelters, which make it difficult to provide timely assistance. The now extensive support shows how important specialized advice centers like the turning point are in offering those affected a point of contact.

Financial situation and future prospects

However, funding remains an ongoing problem. The turning point receives support from the municipality, while Diakonie Michaelshoven has to provide its own funds. Many projects depend on donations, which jeopardizes the future and sustainability of the institution. Despite these challenges, the turning point remains an important point of contact for women in Cologne who find themselves in crisis situations or need support.

With this anniversary, the turning point not only looks back on a successful past, but also focuses on positive developments in the future. The aim is to continue to strengthen women and their children and help them leave violent relationship patterns. Thanks to the team's dedicated work and community support, there remains hope that the situation will change for many women.

For interested women, the consultation times are as follows: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., also by appointment. Although financially tough, the turning point remains a shining example of what can happen when a community comes together to help others in need. So the story of the turning point shows that there is hope and support for everyone who needs it.

For more information about what the turning point has to offer, please visit the website Cologne City Gazette and Homeless in Cologne. You can also find useful statistics and information on the website Federal Office for Family and Civil Society Tasks.