German Congress on Crime Prevention

The 10th German Congress on Crime Prevention which took place on June 6-7 2005 in Hanover attracted more than 2,000 participants. This event brings together experts and researchers from the field of crime prevention in as well as an expanding number of international guests to discuss, exchange and debate current subjects in the field of crime prevention.  Under the patronage of Christian Wulff, Prime Minister of the state of Lower Saxony , the main topic of the 10th Congress was the prevention of violence in social relationships, including presentations on prevention in the fields of sport, management, health in schools, and corruption. 

In the opening ceremony Ursula von der Leyen, Minister of Social Welfare, Women, Family and Health of the state of Lower Saxony argued that "domestic violence is more prevalent and severe than violence in other spheres" and "the earlier and broader its prevention is handled, the better the chances of success."

An Exhibition, Event Stage, a Film Forum and Children's University rounded out the Congress programme. At the main exhibition, 120 organisations presented their work and strategies, including information automobiles (helpdesks on wheels). Special exhibitions focused on different prevention topics such as  the "World of Astrid Lindgren – An exhibition not only for children". The Event Stage show-cased musical, dance or acting performances illustrating practical and suitable approaches for prevention work with different age groups. In addition, the Children's University including about 1,200 pupils between the ages of 10 and 16 years heard lectures by renowned academics on aggression, violence, prevention and the media.

The  forthcoming 11th Congress,  will take place in May 8th and 9th, 2006 in Nuremberg . The main topic - in support of the Fifa World Soccer Cup Germany 2006 - will be "Sport and Prevention". A special congress package for non-German speaking visitors will be provided including translation, a guided tour of the exhibition and a reception. Those wishing to contribute papers to the Congress should contact www.praeventionstag.de on the English section under www.praeventionstag.de/index_english.html.

The German Congress on Crime Prevention is a non-profit organisation associated with the German Foundation for Crime Prevention and Offender Support (DVS).