Finding shelter in Germany does not necessarily end the misery of every refugee. Especially women and members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-, Trans-, Intersexual and Queer (LGBTIQ) community can face gender-based violence (GBV) such as physical assault, exploitation and sexual harassment at every stage of their journey. Their traumatic experiences do not end at the doorstep of the supposedly safe refugee camps, e.g. in Germany. Instead, be- drooms and sanitary facilities without sex-separation and proper locks or insufficient sur- veillance can increase the probability of incidents of sexual violence. The following briefing paper aims to address the problem of GBV and identifies – from different perspectives – challenges and possibilities to prevent GBV in German refugee housing. To improve the conditions in refugee camps and to achieve long-term solutions, a mixture of measures needs to be applied. It is crucial to raise awareness and empower refugees to fight against GBV as well as to sensitize the public, political institutions and staff working in the refugee centres for this issue. Additionally, more intensive cooperation and exchange of ideas is needed between international and local actors in Germany to protect and guarantee the rights of refugees and to create a safe and secure environment.