Women's and children's refuge - making use of accommodation
Women's and child protection centres are facilities that can be reached around the clock. Women affected by violence can stay there with their children to receive protection and counselling. There are 44 women's and child protection centres in Baden-Württemberg. They are staffed by specialists who are competent and experienced in dealing with women who have been abused by their partners. The help and support primarily includes psychosocial counselling on how to cope with the violent situation.
In addition, there is help with applications such as for citizens' allowance, maintenance advance or federal parental allowance, help in dealing with authorities, legal information, accompaniment to appointments and referral to other contact persons. Women's and child protection centres also offer outpatient and telephone counselling and can refer you to specialised counselling centres.
Responsible authority
the nearest women's and child protection centre
Note: The municipal/city administration as the local police authority (usually the public order office of the respective municipality) can tell you the locations.
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
You and your children are at risk of violence at home.
Most women's and child protection centres do not accept women who are
- are under the age of 18,
- Have sons over the age of 14,
- are homeless or
- have serious addiction problems.
Note: There are differences in the admission requirements between the various women's shelters.
Procedure
If you are looking for a place in a women's and children's refuge, you can contact the following centres directly:
- a women's and children's refuge in your area
- the municipal/city administration
- the nearest police station
You can find out the telephone number of your nearest women's and children's refuge from the organisation that runs it or from the Internet. The local women's and children's refuge is often listed on the Internet under the entry "Frauen helfen Frauen". A nationwide overview of women's and children's shelters with their current capacity can be found here: ZIF Zentrale Informationsstelle Autonomer Frauenhäuser | Bundesweite Frauenhaus-Suche
Initial support and information on the help system is provided by the nationwide violence against women helpline. It is available around the clock, 365 days a year. You can call 08000 116 016 or use the online counselling service for anonymous and free advice. This is also possible without credit on your mobile phone. Counselling can be provided in 18 foreign languages, sign language and easy language.
The service is available to those affected, but also to relatives, friends and professionals.
Qualified counsellors are available to provide confidential support. If necessary, they can refer you to local support services.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
none
Costs
The costs for care and accommodation in a women's and children's refuge vary.
If you receive social assistance, the local authority in whose district you usually reside will cover the costs.
If you do not belong to this group of people, you will have to cover the costs of your stay yourself. However, the costs may be covered for a certain period of time.
Note: You can also be accommodated in a women's and children's refuge in another city or district.
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Sozialgesetzbuch Zweites Buch (SGB II)
Sozialgesetzbuch Zwölftes Buch (SGB XII)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 14.11.2025