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Berlin Launches Statewide Initiative to Counter Digital Gender-Based Violence

The program arms frontline staff with technical help to stop covert tracking and other abuse.

Overview

  • Berlin’s social administration unveiled the “Ein Team gegen digitale Gewalt” initiative Friday to support women’s shelters, protection housing and counseling centers.
  • The program offers day trainings for staff, phone-based technical case advice for suspected spying, and help building security plans for facilities.
  • Officials cite years of reports showing a clear rise in digital abuse while many services lack training, technical knowledge and shared response protocols.
  • Initiative leaders warn the threat goes beyond online hate, pointing to spy apps, hidden Bluetooth trackers and devices tucked into toys that can reveal secret shelter addresses.
  • The project runs through 2027 with about €383,000 budgeted in the first year to fund 4.7 staff posts, and Kiziltepe expects a wider expansion from 2028.