LARA Verein gegen sexuelle Gewalt an Frauen eV
LARA - Specialized agency against sexualized violence against women offers comprehensive, unbureaucratic support for those affected from the age of 14. The interdisciplinary team provides anonymous and impartial advice, advocates for equality, and raises public awareness of sexualized violence.
LARA - Specialized Agency Against Sexualized Violence Against Women*
editServices and Support
editLARA offers comprehensive and unbureaucratic help and counseling for women, trans*, inter*, and non-binary individuals from the age of 14 who have become victims of rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. The support includes telephone and video-based counseling, email counseling, as well as various group offerings, including online. In addition, a list of therapists is available, and there is information and access to psychosocial process support. Affected individuals can be counseled anonymously and do not have to repeat details of their experiences.
Mission and Values
editThe fundamental attitude of LARA is biased in favor of the affected groups. A central principle of the counseling is that the person affected by sexualized violence bears no responsibility for the assault. LARA actively works in the public sphere to highlight the different forms of sexualized violence and their societal causes and advocates for the equality of women, girls, trans*, inter*, and non-binary individuals. The team consists of interdisciplinary trained counselors from the fields of psychology, social pedagogy, social work, sociology, and economics, many with additional therapeutic training[1][4].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editLARA is a member of the Federal Association of Women's Emergency Services and the German Parity Welfare Association and is funded by the Senate Administration for Health, Care, and Equality. The organization is involved in various working groups and committees to address the societal causes of sexualized violence and to raise awareness among political decision-makers, media representatives, and the public. LARA offers free legal advice from experienced lawyers and assists with applications to the "Fund for Sexual Abuse"[1][4].
Additional Activities
editIn addition to direct counseling and support, LARA offers training and supervision and provides information on the legal situation, the process of filing a report, and possible court proceedings. The organization is also active in press work to raise awareness of sexualized violence and to address the societal reality of this issue[1][4].