Support
MHB backing and donations for women’s shelter
Neuruppin, 18 July 2025
Women and children fleeing domestic violence in the region Ostprignitz-Ruppin find protection in the Neuruppin women’s shelter. Some bring nothing but a small bag and the clothes they wear, as flight from physical or mental violence often leaves no time for preparation.
The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) and its students started two initiatives in support of the women’s shelter and its important mission.
Sustainability and donations: doctors’ coats and money for a good cause
In April, medical MHB students had the chance to choose tunics, trousers and ward coats free of charge in a garment hand-out – so called second-life clothing, i.e. worn but well-kept clothes. Initiated by MHB student Angelina Fabian a few years ago, the project is continued by the MHB sustainability committee and the textile service provider Sitex.
At the hand-out, students were invited to support the women’s shelter with a donation. The amount of around € 200 was doubled by the university executive board, so that MHB equality officer handed € 400 Euro over to Michaela Rönnefahrt and Heike Waldschmidt whose association runs the shelter.
Protected space with limited resources
The association “Women for women” offers advice and safe accommodation to women exposed to domestic violence. The shelter in Neuruppin has 17 available spaces and receives funding primarily from the State of Brandenburg, the county and the municipality. This is a small number in view of a county population of approximately 100.000. An additional unit is therefore in the planning stage and intended for women who are willing to take the next step but still have not found accommodation of their own
The facility is fully occupied on a permanent basis. 165 women had to be turned away last year and passed on, 40 in this year so far. Women stay in the shelter for one year on average and even longer in many cases since affordable accommodation is hard to find in the area.
Giving pleasure: a day trip to the Baltic
The student donation is going to finance an outing to the Baltic this summer, a day on the beach to share carefree time. According to Heike Waldschmidt, happy days cost money and are not eligible for public funding. But for all that, such joyful occasions are very important as a short time out from daily routines and as small steps back to normal life: “… and the children have something to report after the summer holidays.”
Not only money: Material donations and advice
An additional campaign was organized for 11 July by Imogen Giesen, AStA representative and on traineeship in Australia at that time, together with the MHB equality officer. The association “Women for women” presented its work on the university premises. Representatives of the regional police complemented the event with information on topics such as stalking, violence prevention and formats of available assistance. Students and staff joined in with numerous donated objects, from summer clothes and shoes to cosmetics and hygiene products. Heike Waldschmidt was highly pleased with the response, and the AStA rewarded all donors with ice cream.
Information
Students of psychology who wish to support the women’s shelter or are interested in a traineeship there are invited to contact: neuruppiner-frauenverein@t-online.de. For additional information see www.frauenhaus-neuruppin.de.
Interested to help? Donations are welcome to this account:
IBAN: DE08160502021730000548
BIC: WELADED1OPR
Bank: Sparkasse Ostprignitz Ruppin
