According to information from the Schutzhöhle e.V., violence in Hof and the surrounding area has increased this year due to the effects of Corona. It is therefore important to have an association in Hof, such as Schutzhöhle e.V., that is committed to helping children who are threatened by sexualised violence or who have already experienced it. This commitment has now been supported with a donation of 2,000 euros from the local Fondsdepot Bank, Germany's leading platform for the trading and safekeeping of fund shares.

Due to Corona-related restrictions, prevention work in kindergartens and schools could only take place to a very limited extent this year - as in 2021. The association hopes that prevention work can be carried out on site again by the start of the new school year in summer 2023 at the latest.

"Until the summer of 2023, our colleagues and volunteers will undergo extensive qualification measures so that they can then resume their work in the facilities with updated knowledge and a high level of motivation," said Yvonne Bänsch, chairperson of the association, at the handover of the donation.

"It is to be feared that many cases of violence - whether physical or psychological - only become conspicuous with a few months of follow-up. The temporary isolation by Corona has made our work and the exchange much more difficult," Bänsch continued.

The Corona pandemic also had a negative impact on the finances of the association. There was hardly any income from sales at summer festivals, Christmas markets, etc., as they had to be cancelled one after the other. Yvonne Bänsch comments: "The perception of our association has also suffered from the cancelled events. We need these for our visibility."

Sabine Dittmann-Stenger, Managing Director of Fondsdepot Bank, is very touched by the association's commitment "This donation is a matter close to our hearts. That is why we are supporting the Schutzhöhle with a donation for the sixth year in a row. Affected children often suffer their whole lives from the terrible experiences. Supporting people who dedicate themselves to such an important issue is a matter of course for us."

Kindergartens and schools interested in prevention work on sexual violence against children can contact the association directly. Information is available at www.schutzhoehle.de.