Frequently asked questions
Who provides counseling at the counseling center “KIS“?
Our team at the counseling center “KIS“ consists of licensed social workers. Some of us have additional certifications in systemic family therapy, trauma pedagogy or systemic interactive counseling. We are constantly participating in further trainings in order to provide you with the best possible counseling.
Each counselor/coordinator is specialized in one or multiple areas and capable of training professionals or people that are interested in the following topics: violence against the elderly, violence against migrants, violence against people with disabilities, high-risk management, networking and much more.
At our counseling center “KIS“ the distinction between counseling for adults and counseling for children is of utmost importance to us. In that way, we can offer counseling that is adapted to fit the individual needs of each person. Despite the fact that each of us is responsible for specific areas, we still work closely together as a team.
Do I have to pay for Counseling?
No, our counseling is free of charge. Our counseling center “KIS“ receives funds from the City of Leipzig and the Free State of Saxony.
What happens with my data?
As we are not allowed to share any information about you (professional secrecy), our counseling is also confidential. Unless you give us clear permission to share your information, nobody is able to obtain any information about you.
At the beginning of your first in-person counseling session, we will ask you to sign a document that allows us to collect and process your personal data. This step is required according to the General Data Protection Regulation (ger. DSGVO – Datenschutzgrundverordnung).
With your consent, we will take notes during our counseling sessions and save them in a safe, internal documentation system that only our team at “KIS“ can access.
Is your counseling center barrier-free?
Unfortunately, no. There is a step at the entry of our counseling center.
You can use an elevator to get to the third floor.
The elevator’s door has the following dimensions: 0,70m x 0,80m: width x depth.
Inside the elevator, the width is 0,95m.
There is no barrier-free bathroom at our counseling center.
We are able to call in interpreters in your language for your counseling sessions.
What can I expect when I contact the Counseling Center “KIS”?
We will listen to what has happened to you and you can also speak about your fears. If you wish, we will then set up a personal appointment with you. In any case, we will always respect your choices and will not pressure you to make any decisions. Our counseling sessions are confidential. However, we always need a signature from each person who attends our counseling services, which is why the service is not one hundred percent anonymous.
How do I know if I am experiencing Domestic Violence?
Click here
More information available at www.leipzig-gegen-gewalt.de
How do I know if am being stalked?
Click here
More information available at www.leipzig-gegen-gewalt.de
Should I leave my partner immediately?
That choice is up to you. Whenever you are ready, we will be there to help you plan and lead a self-determined life without violence.
What if the incident happened a long time ago?
Of course, you can act more effectively of you seek support as early as possible. But even if your experiences with domestic violence happened a longer time ago, counseling can be helpful and offer you new perspectives.
Should I call the police?
That choice is also up to you. We can provide information on the different options you can take and the consequences that result from them.
Can I call anonymously?
Yes, you do not have to tell us your name when calling and asking for counseling.
How can I contact the counseling center “KIS”?
You can call us, send us a letter or leave us an e-mail. We will reach out to you and set up a phone appointment or an in-person appointment. We kindly ask you to always set up an appointment before coming to our office.
What If I need further help?
If it is necessary, we can refer you to:
- the police
- forensic service providers
- the specialist counseling center for sexualized violence
- safe houses for adults and their children
- safe houses for men
- safe houses for children as well as other child and youth welfare facilities
- doctors
- educational and family counseling centers
- lawyers
- migration and integration counseling centers
- other support services that are part of the Leipzig network against domestic violence and stalking (ger. „Leipziger Netzwerk gegen häusliche Gewalt und Stalking“)