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, long waiting times in emergency rooms despite police announcements cause many women to drop out, reducing the access to legal support and aftercare. 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, survivors, clinicians, and the police encounter challenges in these settings. Survivors face uncertainty about their support options, while clinicians feel overwhelmed by legal responsibilities and inefficient processes. Efficient triaging services to eligible emergency rooms support the legal system with evidence collection, and can so ease these burdens and improve outcomes for all parties involved.

VISIONS offers an accessible digital solution to seamlessly support survivors, clinical examiners, and the police throughout the entire process. This solution aims to remove barriers for survivors of sexual violence in the company of the police.

To achieve this, VISIONS offers a digital triaging tool to support the police and affected women with fast and effective processing in the emergency room. It also provides context regarding their rights and options during care and reporting, as well as discharge to ensure they do not miss important follow-up steps during their aftercare. An intuitive digital triaging tool developed in cooperation with the police, experienced emergency room gynecologists, and survivors guarantee high-quality evidence collection compliant with legal requirements. It enables clinicians to provide the best support possible in a time-sensitive and high-volume surrounding.

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 obstetrics and gynecology team, treating the aftermath of sexual violence and their interaction with the police and survivors in one of the biggest cities in Europe.