Domestic violence: Thanks to a new partnership, Leipziger Wohnungs- und Baugesellschaft (LWB) is providing the "SieWo" model project with flats for a safe new start
Leipziger Wohnungs- und Baugesellschaft (LWB) and the pilot project "SieWo - Sie wohnt gewaltfrei" have entered into a cooperation for the first time. In future, the LWB will provide the project with selected flats - an important step towards giving women and their children a safe new start after a stay in a women's refuge.
SieWo is a joint project of the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig) and Zusammen e. V. and is establishing a scientifically supported housing placement centre. The need is great: many of those affected are unable to find affordable accommodation despite being eligible for housing, which means that places in Leipzig's women's shelters remain blocked. SieWo therefore actively acquires housing, provides organisational support to landlords and assists the women in the transition to a stable tenancy. The approach is already proving effective: eight flats have been successfully arranged so far with the support of private landlords and Leipzig housing co-operatives. This means that 19 women and children have found secure accommodation.
Strong signal: municipal housing for social responsibility
With this cooperation, the LWB is sending a clear signal of social responsibility in Leipzig's tight housing market. The regular provision of flats means that, for the first time, housing can be planned and reliably created for SieWo - a milestone for the still young pilot project.
"The LWB's support shows that municipal housing companies can play a key role in opening up extended protection routes and giving those affected by violence a secure perspective," says Dr Friederike Frieler, who is supervising the research project at HTWK Leipzig.
Women affected not only receive a flat, but also support from SieWo to ensure that the tenancy is stable and long-term. "Violence against women often takes place in the shadows," says LWB spokesperson Samira Sachse. "It is important that women have a safe refuge and retreat to protect themselves. Prevention and education are just as important in this context. We are happy to support this and show social responsibility in this area too."
Invitation to other landlords
SieWo would also like to encourage private and commercial landlords to become part of the project. Every additional flat creates space for a new, violence-free life and relieves the burden on the support system in Leipzig.
About SieWo
The socially innovative pilot project "SieWo - Sie wohnt gewaltfrei" ("SieWo - She lives free of violence") by HTWK Leipzig and Zusammen e.V. / Kontaktstelle Wohnen is funded by the Saxon State Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Social Cohesion with funds from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The aim is to set up a placement centre for women who need a safe place to live after domestic violence.
On 13 November 2025, SieWo was awarded the SINN Innovation Prize for special social effectiveness in Saxony.
