In the EU, 1 in 10 women aged 16 and older have experienced sexual violence, yet only around 10% seek assistance. With just over 10,000 women reporting sexual violence to the police each year in Germany, this suggests the real number of incidents is significantly higher. The main reason for this low number is the difficult journey survivors faced to access clinical support, evidence collection, and follow-up care. The bureaucratic and confusing process causes many women to drop out, reducing the access to support. This unresolved trauma burdens the German healthcare system with around €1.15 billion annually.

After experiencing sexual violence, many women seek support from either the police or emergency rooms for evidence collection. Due to the survivor’s vulnerability and the time-sensitive nature of evidence collection, these initial visits are highly influential on the survivor’s future outcome. However, both survivors and clinicians encounter challenges in these settings. Survivors face uncertainty about their support options, while clinicians feel overwhelmed by legal responsibilities and inefficient processes. Simplified support services and evidence collection can ease these burdens and improve outcomes for both parties.

VISIONS offers an accessible digital solution to seamlessly support survivors, clinical examiners, and, if necessary, the police throughout the entire process. This solution aims to remove barriers for survivors of sexual violence, allowing them to make informed decisions about their next steps, such as examination, evidence collection, and interview protocols.

To achieve this, VISIONS offers a digital companion to guide women through the process in the emergency room, provide context regarding their rights and options during care and reporting, and discharge support to ensure they do not miss important follow-up steps and check-ups with their local gynecologist. An intuitive digital documentation tool streamlines evidence collection for clinicians, offering background information along the way. This comprehensive approach guarantees high quality evidence and enables clinicians to provide the best possible care.

Team VISIONS is led by two gynecologists-in-training from Charité’s Department of Gynecology. Their solution arises from their direct experience as integral members of the obstretics and gynecology team, treating the aftermath of sexual violence. Through expert input and flawless documentation, VISIONS streamlines the survivor care process, secures reliable evidence, and ensures long-term societal benefits.