24 June 2025

How great is the influence of partner violence on unwanted pregnancies? What are the needs for counselling and care for affected women? These were the central questions addressed at the ELSA-VG symposium at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences on 18 June 2025. As part of the ELSA joint research study ("Experiences and life situations of unintentionally pregnant women - counselling and care services") funded by the Federal Ministry of Health on the basis of a decision by the German Bundestag, one sub-project (ELSA-VG) explicitly examined the perspectives of women who were affected by violence in their partnership at the time of the unintended pregnancy.

ELSA-VG symposium at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (Photo: Nadine Kathrin Luschnat)

The event, which was aimed at professionals from the fields of counselling, medicine, social work, midwifery and healthcare services, offered an intensive programme of keynote speeches, study results and practical workshops. Around 200 participants from across Germany learned about new scientific findings online and in person and jointly developed recommendations for counselling and care practice.

Shocking study results - clear recommendations for action

After a welcoming address by the Vice President for Research and Development at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Prof Dr Viktor Wesselak, Prof Dr Petra J. Brzank, Project Manager and Professor of Sociology and Social Research Methods at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, presented key findings from the ELSA-VG study. This was supplemented by contributions from external experts: Dennis Jepsen M.A. (University Medicine Halle) presented the results of an online survey on the living situation of those affected, Martin Nowak M.A. (University of Applied Sciences Hildesheim/ Holzminden/ Göttingen) and Kristina Winter M.A. (University Medicine Halle) reported on in-depth qualitative interviews with those affected - including underage women.

The results make it clear that partner violence is a previously neglected but serious risk factor for unwanted pregnancies and abortions. Many women affected were confronted with structural hurdles in the care system and did not feel adequately supported in counselling settings. This makes it all the more important to translate the findings into concrete recommendations for action - a key objective of the symposium.

Workshops: From knowledge to action

In the afternoon, the results were explored in greater depth in three parallel workshops. The topics were the needs of those affected for gynaecological care (Dr Jana Maeffert, Sophie Günther), conflict counselling for minors (Silke Beier, Johanna Walsch) and information myths in conflict counselling (Gesa Bochen).

Angelika May from the Berlin association S.I.G.N.A.L. e. V. then went into more detail about practical recommendations for interventions against domestic and sexualised violence in the healthcare and counselling setting. The symposium ended with a summary by Prof Dr Petra J. Brzank.

Setting a clear signal for those affected

The symposium sent out a clear signal: Women who are unintentionally pregnant and suffer from partner violence at the same time need targeted support. The event made it possible to build a bridge between research and practice - for more visibility, better care and stronger structures.

"It is high time we took a closer look at the realities of life for women affected by violence - especially in the context of unwanted pregnancies. The symposium has shown that there are many committed professionals who are willing to take responsibility and initiate change. Now it's time to implement the impulses in the spirit of the Istanbul Convention and spread them across the country," emphasises Prof. Dr Petra J. Brzank.

Further information

https://elsa-studie.de/

https://www.hs-nordhausen.de/forschungsprojekt/erfahrungen-und-lebenslagen-ungewollt-schwangerer-angebote-der-beratung-und-versorgung-vulnerable-gruppen/