The camp wall of the women's concentration camp, outside view
(photo: DÖW/Ravensbrück Archive)

Arrival at the camp

Arrival at the camp was a shock to the women. Received by beating overseers and watchdogs, they had to undress in front of the SS men, were checked by the camp doctor and often had their heads shaved. Their personality was degraded to an inmate's number. For the women, this procedure meant a serious violation of their sense of shame. They did not only feel unprotected and humiliated, but also robbed of their individuality.