Marie Nasemann, the popular 35-year-old model and podcast host, has taken bold steps to speak out about her harrowing experiences with sexual violence. During her recent episode of the podcast "Family Feelings," she candidly narrates her encounters with sexual assault, asserting the need for greater societal recognition and change. Joined by director Elsa van Damke, who draws upon her own traumatic experiences, the discussion sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women.
Nasemann, known for her candidness, shared how she has faced seven incidents of sexual assault throughout her life. Reflecting on her experiences, she explained, "Wenn man eben mal wirklich alles mitzählt und nicht sagt: 'Ja gut, Hand am Arsch ist ja quasi schon Standard', dann waren es bei mir sieben Übergriffe insgesamt," (When you really count everything and don’t just say, 'Well, hand on the ass is standard,' for me it’s been seven assaults overall). This stark acknowledgment serves as the foundation for her call to action, advocating for victims to report incidents and to support statistical documentation to reflect the reality of sexual violence.
One notable incident occurred during the Munich Oktoberfest, where Nasemann recalled being groped beneath her dirndl. She recounted, "Ich habe mich dann umgedreht und ihm eine Ohrfeige gegeben, aber ich kam damals noch so gar nicht auf die Idee, ihn zu fotografieren, seinen Namen rauszufinden oder direkt zur Polizei zu gehen," (I turned around and slapped him, but at the time, I didn't think to photograph him, find out his name, or go directly to the police). Looking back, she expressed regret over not taking action, now believing, "Heute würde ich auf jeden Fall probieren, sofort die Polizei zu rufen" (Today, I would definitely try to call the police immediately).
Another traumatic encounter described by Nasemann took place near the Isar River, where she was confronted by a masked man who was engaging in public masturbation. This frightening experience, like others, highlights the reality many women face, regardless of the time or place. Nasemann vividly recalled, "Es ging alles so schnell und macht keinen Sinn," (It all happened so quickly and makes no sense). She and van Damke stressed the importance of communication and support within the community to combat such violence.
Van Damke's own story adds weight to their discussion. Having been raped at the age of fifteen, she uses her past to inspire her current work, including the new series "Angemessen Angry." This series presents the narrative of a maid gaining superpowers after being assaulted, allowing her to combat sexual violators. Both women agree on the significance of representation and dialogue surrounding sexual violence, underscoring the cultural responsibility to address these issues head-on.
Nasemann took to Instagram to express her fears, urging societal reflection and action against "gewaltvolle, wütende Männer" (violent, angry men). "Ich habe Angst vor Männern. Gewaltvolle, wütende Männer," she wrote, openly stating, "Ich kann auch sagen, dass ich mich schon lange nicht mehr sicher fühle" (I can also say I have not felt safe for quite some time). The model emphasized this sentiment isn’t tied to any specific ethnic background, noting her fellow victims share similar stories, and the attackers are overwhelmingly white men, challenging the commonly held assumptions about crime and ethnicity.
She voices frustration over the political discourse surrounding violence, criticizing the reductionist views on migratory backgrounds. "Das müsse ihrer Meinung nach endlich parteiübergreifend klar benannt werden," (This needs to be clearly articulated across political lines) she insists, promoting the need for societal change rather than scapegoats.
Highlighting another dimension of the conversation, Nasemann called for improved access to mental health resources, arguing such support systems are urgent for addressing the roots of violence. She stated, "Ein Ansatz wäre, mal dafür zu sorgen, dass es in Deutschland ausreichend Therapieplätze gibt," (One approach would be to make sure there are sufficient therapy spots available in Germany) reinforcing her stance on creating real, impactful solutions rather than temporary fixes promoted during election campaigns.
Both Nasemann and van Damke encapsulate the essence of their mission: to bring awareness, encourage conversation, and prompt action against the silent epidemic of sexual violence. They urge fellow women to share their stories and report their experiences, empowering each other to create a safer environment for all.
For anyone impacted by sexual violence, there are numerous support services available. The hotline for women experiencing violence is 116 016, and for men, the number is 0800 1239900, ensuring help is accessible for all affected parties. The urgency of this conversation is more pronounced than ever, pushing society to dismantle the silence encasing these issues.