An energy absorption device for safety nets and/or for rope constructions, in particular an impact damping device and/or a shock damping device and/or a traction rope brake device, has a brake unit which comprises at least one deflection element and at least one brake element extending at least section-wise around the deflection element and which is configured for an at least partial absorption and/or conversion of kinetic energy in at least one load case, in particular an impact case, and has a connection unit, which is configured for a fixation of the brake unit in at least one location of use, wherein the brake element is guided around the deflection element in a U-shape,
wherein the brake element includes at least one first brake portion and at least one second brake portion, the brake portions differing from one another at least in regard to their local load capacities, and the first brake portion including at least one material recess, in particular an oblong hole.