Advice for professionals who are in contact with boys* affected by violence
The Boys' Office offers advice to professionals who work with boys* affected by violence. This service is aimed at all professional groups in the fields of social and socio-educational work, education (schools/daycare), pedagogy, health, and the justice system.
The service is free of charge and usually takes place in the premises of the Young People's Office.
The Bremen Boys' Office offers advice on the following topics:
- Bullying & Exclusion
- Domestic violence
- Violence by peer groups
- public authority
- in cases of sexualized violence.
We also support you in other forms of violence, for example if a boy* or young man* is affected by forced marriage, transphobic, homophobic or racist violence.
The counseling center is responsible for boys and young men who are or have been affected by violence. However, regarding sexual abuse among children, both relatives of affected boys and of perpetrators can seek advice from us.
This also applies to the professionals who are in contact with these boys*. If necessary, we will discuss with you which procedures are appropriate to protect the boys* affected by violence and to limit the actions of the abusive children.
What does the asterisk (*) after boys and men mean?
Boys are very diverse, and not everyone identifies as male or female. We use the asterisk (*) after boys and men to reflect this diversity.
Clarification assistance in cases of suspected sexualized violence:
If you are in contact with a boy* in your field of work and there is concern that he may be affected by sexualized violence, we support you with clarification discussions.
Having a suspicion or even a hunch doesn't mean you already have proof or facts. Whether it's about unusual behavior or strange statements from the boy*, and even if it's just a gut feeling at first: we take your concerns seriously and will support you in organizing your thoughts, reflecting on the clues, and working with you to develop possible courses of action.
Help for refugee boys* and young men*
Information visits
- Visit to the counselling centre for groups of refugee youths on the topic of “Boys* as victims of violence” (duration approx. 1.5 hours)
- In German and English, or with an interpreter for language-homogeneous groups. The interpreter can be provided by the Youth Office.
Counseling for refugee boys* and young men* who have experienced sexualized violence
- The consultation is free of charge, in German and English or with an interpreter
- Appointments by arrangement.
Specialist advice for educational staff
on all professional questions that arise when supporting refugee youth who have experienced (sexualized) violence.
Support in clarifying situations where it is suspected that a boy/young person is currently experiencing sexualized violence.
Support in the conceptual and personal handling of flashbacks, sleep disorders, restlessness, avoidance behavior, aggressive impulse outbursts, regressive emotional states and panic attacks.
Telephone consultation hours
Mondays 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursdays 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Outside of office hours, an answering machine is on. We will call you back as soon as we have time if a number has been left.
Personal appointments at the advice center can be arranged by telephone or email.