Exuberant parties, lots of alcohol: At carnival there are many moments in which sexual harassment and assault can occur. It is impossible to say exactly how much actually happens. What is being done about it?
Armed with a bright orange high-visibility vest, a flag and a stack of business cards, Biggi and her colleagues parade through downtown Cologne. It’s Carnival – and it’s raining heavily. Biggi and her colleagues work for the “Edelgard” initiative. Their goal is to offer help to young women and girls if they feel sexually harassed.
“Hey, we are Edelgard, a counseling center. We are available until night if there are sexual assaults or you observe them.” Biggi also speaks to Angi Kalkatzkios and her friend, both of whom are dressed as bunnies today.
Angi happily accepts Biggi’s business card: “I think it’s good. I often go to parties and you often hear stupid sayings.”
Multiple bases throughout the city
Using the emergency number on the business card, callers can reach experienced and trained counselors who will discuss possible steps after harassment, coercion or even rape. In the event of rape, they direct the victims to safe places of refuge.
Biggi says that there are several bases spread throughout the city. These can be pharmacies, ice cream parlors or shops, but also restaurants. What is important for the initiative is that everything is anonymous and secret.
This is also why Biggi doesn’t want her real name published. Edelgard’s counselors can accompany those affected to a hospital if this is necessary, for example after a rape.
Biggi from the “Edelgard” initiative offers help to Angi Kalkatzkios and her friend if they feel sexually harassed.
Police in action with campaign
On a similar mission to the women of Edelgard, Police Chief Inspector Jessica Arnold is on the move in the Kwartier Latäng – the nightlife district in downtown Cologne and a hotspot for young people at Carnival. The police team pushes through the crowds. They are promoting their campaign here: “It’s a dress, not a yes,” which has been running on social media for weeks.
It is the first time for the Cologne police that they have used social media to raise awareness about sexual abuse at carnival. The policewoman keeps looking at her cell phone and cheers: “An influencer shared our campaign.” The sparkle in her eyes reveals how important it is to her that the campaign is a success. Arnold himself also appears in the video, which has now been viewed more than a million times.
“One goal of the campaign is to stimulate a change in people’s consciousness, to make it clear that the woman is not the victim just because she wears short, skimpy clothes and looks good,” says Arnold. It’s important for her to convey: “It’s always the fault of the one who crosses the boundaries.” The police officers on patrol keep an eye on these border crossings throughout the entire carnival.
Celebrity support
Several Cologne dance groups took part in the campaign, such as the cheerleaders of 1. FC Köln, but also well-known Cologne bands such as Bläck Fööss and Kasalla. Everyone agrees: No means no and sexual violence has no place in carnival or anywhere else.
Mirko Bäume from the band Bläck Fööss believes that something is happening in society. “But it’s still not the safe place that women should be on.”
Figures from the Cologne police from last year show that raising awareness about sexual harassment and violence is particularly important at Carnival. In February 2023, 69 sexual offenses were documented – 61 of them at Carnival.
Police Commissioner Jessica Arnold promotes her “It’s a dress, not a yes” campaign.
Take care of each other
In the meantime, 30-year-old Biggi and her colleague from the Edelgard initiative have been walking through downtown Cologne. It’s the afternoon and they’ve been walking since 11 a.m. in the morning. The later it gets, the drunker people get. After a certain time it becomes increasingly difficult for them to get their information to the woman.
In addition to speaking to them, it is important for you to pass on the business cards with the emergency telephone number. Those affected can report there until 1 a.m.
Biggi from Edelgard recommends saving your phone number – and getting information about offers of help before you celebrate. “Then in an emergency you know where help is available,” says Biggi. And otherwise: be loud when boundaries are exceeded and address people specifically. These are good ways to get through the carnival season safely.
Police Commissioner Arnold says something similar: “Don’t look away.” People should celebrate but look out for each other. If you notice something suspicious, it is better to ask too much than too little.
Ideally, celebrants should go to the event together, stay together and, especially on the way home, leave no one alone. This way we can look after each other.