Ann-Kathrin Bendixen reveals: This is how I experienced sexual assault!

Ann-Kathrin Bendixen reveals: This is how I experienced sexual assault!

Ann-Kathrin Bendixen, the 25-year-old dancer who became known through her participation in the 17th season of “Let’s Dance,” recently reported a traumatic experience during her solo travels. In her podcast “Schnack aufachse” she describes how she was sexually harassed by fellow passengers during a trip. According to a report by web.de she describes a frightening situation in which a man was naked and rubbing himself against her. She then received money from him, which made the disturbing experience seem even more surreal.

Bendixen, who documents her travels on social media under the name “Monkey on Bike,” also talks about her attempt to free herself from the situation. She kicked the attacker and was eventually left alone by another passenger who had children. This experience has had a strong impact on her and brings up her feelings of shame and vulnerability in relation to misogynistic attacks.

Reflection on safety precautions

After the incident, Bendixen dramatically increased her safety precautions when traveling alone. She now carries a knife and, in certain countries, bear spray for self-defense. These measures speak to a deep vulnerability that many women feel when traveling alone.

However, the issue of sexual harassment is not just a personal matter for Bendixen. It is a common problem that can affect any woman. Like the organization Women against violence explains, there is support for women and girls affected by violence in every federal state. This is guaranteed by women's advice centers and women's emergency hotlines.

Help offers at a glance

• Persönliche und telefonische Beratungen für Frauen, die sexualisierte, körperliche oder psychische Gewalt erleben.
• Langfristige Begleitung und Gruppenangebote stehen zur Verfügung.
• Beratungen werden in verschiedenen Sprachen angeboten, oft durch muttersprachliche Mitarbeiterinnen oder Dolmetscherinnen.
• Angebote sind kostenlos und anonym, Unterstützung richtet sich auch an Angehörige und Freunde der Betroffenen.

The range of support services addresses many forms of violence, including domestic violence, rape and workplace harassment. Women in life crises, such as pregnancy conflicts or psychological stress, also find support there.

Ann-Kathrin Bendixen's courageous description of her experience and the information about available help underline the importance of talking about sexual abuse and violence against women. It is crucial that women know that help is available and that they are not alone.