The Berlin Coordination Office against FGM_C offers interdisciplinary services for various target groups. In addition to providing holistic support for women affected by FGM_C, we train professionals and raise awareness within communities, so that we can put a permanent end to the practice.
Gynecological counselling and care
Due to the complexity of the consequences of circumcision and the sensitivity of the topic, we offer specialized, sensitive gynecological counselling and care to our clients.
Family Planning Center BALANCE
gynecological consultation
upon request, we offer information on the possibilities of a surgical reconstruction
gynecological assessment during the asylum seeking process
Psychological counselling and psychosocial support
As diverse as the experiences and injuries are, so diverse are the needs of support. The psychological consequences of FGM_C can vary depending on the individual experience and personal processing. Psychological counselling or psychosocial group counselling can be very helpful for those affected. The counselling services can be used both as an alternative to surgical reconstruction or as an accompaniment to it:
Family Planning Center BALANCE:
Psychological and sexual counseling (individuals and couples)
Desert Flower Center:
psychosocial self-help group
Community work
The number of girls and women threatened and affected by FGM_C can only be reduced in collaboration with communities. Through peer-to-peer activities, we strengthen education and raise awareness in the communities. This task is carried out by community multipliers (CHANGE Agents) who have been trained for this purpose. They are trusted by people of their respective communities, have the best access to the girls and women who may be threatened as well as to the wider social environment and can thus contribute to overcoming the harmful practice:
TERRE DES FEMMES:
community activities in the form of prevention and education by CHANGE Agents
Counselling and sensitization of professionals
Professionals who work with affected and threatened girls and women should be adequately sensitized and trained on the topic. This allows them to deal with the issue confidently, to provide support to those affected, and to effectively prevent new circumcisions.
Their need for further training is enourmous, especially among medical and pedagogical staff and employees of the youth welfare office (Jugendamt). Trainings are conducted by community multipliers of TERRE DES FEMMES. In this way, they can close a gap and build bridges between the communities, the professionals and the affected and possibly threatened girls and women living in Berlin.
New basic and advanced trainings starting in september 2022.
The training courses take place online or in person. You can choose between German and English.
Without expertise on asylum procedures many are not aware of the fact that being a survivor of FGM_C or the danger of becoming a victim of it are reason for granting asylum.
Therefore, we offer legal advice and consultation to either woman and girls affected directly or professionals within the field seeking legal support.
Ergänzende Information
Contact for further information and questions:
ANNA GREWE & Julia Thierfelder
Project coordination
All your enquiries and complaints are very important to us and will be treated with utmost care and respect. We will take any negative experiences you might have had with the healthcare system very seriously.
For example, have you felt patronised, disrespected or treated insensitively by health professionals or psychologists? Have you felt that your symptoms have worsened after a treatment? Are you experiencing persistent problems after reconstructive surgery?
We encourage you to get in touch with us. We will handle your complaint in strict confidence and give you an opportunity to consult an independent gynaecologist or psychologist. Your feedback helps us to improve our services and, as a result, to offer the best possible support for women. Feel free to share your positive experiences with us, since they demonstrate how healthcare services may be improved.
Feel free to contact us any time - by email or phone (phone: 030 - 236 236 846, [E-Mail anzeigen]. We are looking forward to your feedback!
Family Planning Center BALANCE:
We cooperate with another organization, which will help you with your legal question
Cooperation partner
Funding
The project is funded by the Senate Department for Health, Care and Equality.