Bad Soden-Salmünster - Despite the intense heat wave yesterday, about 2000 people in the peaceful Kurpark of Bad Soden, "Spessarthelden - Gewalt Gegen Rennen" came together to participate in the third annual fundraiser. This event aims to keep alive the memory of Tugce Albayrak, who was a victim of violence in 2014, which was the initiative of Tugce-Albayrak-Dernegin and started for the first time in 2019. This fundraiser has developed as a strong movement against violence. One of the names who played an important role in this movement is Dogus Albayrak, the brother of the person who gave his name and the initiator of the association and the race. Albayrak, together with independent Mayor Dominik Brasch, opened the event in the early morning hours after an impressive panel discussion titled "Women and Violence: A Social Responsibility". A huge pink banner with the impressive #empowerher text provided a strong backdrop for this event.
The panel titled "Women and Violence" provided an important platform for experts on violence against women in Germany. SPD Member of the Bundestag Leni Breymaier emphasized that despite the alarming increase in violence against women in Germany, there is still insufficient space in women's shelters. She expressed the hope that urgently needed resources could be provided by improving the financing of women's shelters. However, he also stated that there is an impression that the activities in combating violence against women have receded: "We are going backwards, the direction is not correct.
Psychologist and Trauma Therapist Dr. Ingeborg Kraus drew attention to the connection between the representation of women on social media and the increase in violence against women. He cites research in Canada that proves that sexual violence has increased by 40% since children and young people have easy access to pornographic content. Dr. Kraus also drew attention to the frightening number of 260 women who lost their lives due to feminism in 2022. He emphasized that besides physical violence, psychological violence is an increasing problem. Carmen Schiller, member of the Federal Executive Board of the "Terre des Femmes - Women's Human Rights" Federation and Representative for Gender Equality in Würzburg, stated that physical violence is often visible, but mental wounds are invisible from the outside. He emphasized that in such cases, the burden of proof is on the victims and unfortunately, they are sometimes even forcibly sent to psychiatric institutions. But at the same time, he said, "men who use violence belong in prison.
Svenja Beck has made a notable contribution, as someone who has long been trapped in a narcissistic abusive relationship. Beck likened addiction in such relationships to a type of addiction, explaining that when you get out of the relationship, symptoms of physical and mental withdrawal appear. Beck stressed the importance of appropriate support systems that are not just organized by volunteers. The panel discussion, held as part of the "Spessarthelden" charity run, showed impressively that violence against women should not be tolerated and that an awareness shift in society is urgently needed.
Panelists passionately strived for a world without violence and emphasized the importance of awareness raising and effective measures. The charity run after the panel offered the participants the opportunity to send a strong message against violence and to actively strive for peaceful coexistence. The record of attendees recorded throughout this day clearly demonstrated the growing support and community commitment to a nonviolent environment.
Spessarthelden" showed that they not only want to run, but also want to actively contribute to change. Tugce Albayrak's brother, Dogus Albayrak, is fighting for a world without violence and started the #empowerher movement to empower women, raise their voices and resist violence. The panel discussion, accompanied by an impressive pink banner and the slogan #empowerher, demonstrated once again that tackling violence against women is a social responsibility and revealed a topic that many people want to participate in.
The "Spessarthelden" charity run proved once again that a strong community can drive change. Bringing people from different age groups and backgrounds together contributes to raising awareness of the issues of violence and laying the foundations for a better future. The high participation and new record are a clear indication of the effort and will to end violence against women and build a peaceful society.
Tugce-Albayrak Association President and initiator of the "Spessarthelden" Charity Run, Dogus Albayrak, expressed his excitement at the response and success of the event. Emphasizing the importance of the effort of all the participants, he said: "Seeing so many people supporting our non-violent message fills me with great joy and pride. The charity run and panel discussion showed that together we can be a strong voice against violence and advocating a nonviolent unity. Every step we take together today is a step on the path to change. We want to empower women to raise their voices and resist violence. The #empowerher movement exists to empower women and let them know they are not alone. I thank every single person here today for their support and contribution. . Together we can build a world free of violence.