Escalating Domestic Violence in Germany, According to New Reports

Escalating Domestic Violence in Germany, According to New Reports

Germany has seen a concerning increase in domestic violence cases, with a record-breaking 265,942 people affected in 2024, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). This alarming trend predominantly impacts women, who account for around 73% of the victims.

In response, the German government has announced several significant policies and initiatives to combat this social crisis. One of the key measures is the introduction of the "Spanish model" of electronic monitoring for convicted domestic violence offenders. The Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig, plans to implement this system, which includes electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators posing ongoing threats and GPS-based warning devices for victims.

The draft bill for this legislation is expected after the summer recess of 2025. It also proposes mandatory anti-violence training for offenders, increased custodial sentences, and the integration of protective orders into family law to include protections for children exposed to domestic violence.

Recognising the importance of protecting minors alongside adult victims, efforts are being made to extend legal safeguards in family law and increase deterrence via harsher penalties and preventive education.

However, challenges remain, particularly inadequate shelter capacity and support infrastructure. The lack of places in women's shelters, particularly for women with disabilities, is a significant concern.

To improve victim protection, the Bundestag and Bundesrat approved a law in early 2025 mandating that all federal states create adequate protection and counseling services for domestic violence victims. The federal government has committed €2.6 billion to support these measures from 2027 to 2036, with a legal entitlement for victims to receive free protection and counseling set to come into force on January 1, 2032.

The Greens have stated that violence against women is "patriarchal violence" and have called for more prevention and perpetrator work, swift procedures, and mandatory training for police and justice. The German Social Union (SoVD) has expressed concern about the new figures, with the chairwoman, Michaela Engelmeier, emphasising the importance of facilities like the 'Counseling Telephone for Violence against Women'.

It is crucial to note that domestic violence in Germany involves people who are or were in a partnership relationship, or when the violence occurs within the family or there is a familial relationship. In 2024, there were around 171,100 cases of violence perpetrated by partners or ex-partners, accounting for most cases.

The increase in domestic violence could be due to an increase in violence readiness "in the light of societal crises and personal challenges," according to the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs. However, an increased willingness to report could also be a factor.

In the previous year, 94,873 people were victims of intra-family violence, representing an increase of almost 14% over the past five years. Statistically, a person became a victim of domestic violence approximately every two minutes in 2024.

Women with disabilities experience physical violence almost twice as often as non-disabled women, according to the chair of the SoVD, Michaela Engelmeier. These statistics underscore the need for special attention and resources to ensure the safety and protection of this vulnerable group.

As Germany continues to address this pressing issue, it is clear that a coordinated federal and state-level approach is essential to enhance prevention, improve victim support services, and introduce new legal and technological tools to ensure safer environments for women—including those with disabilities—affected by domestic violence.

1. The German government, recognizing the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on womens-health, has proposed the integration of protective orders into family law for better protection of children exposed to such violence.
2. To tackle the rising crime-and-justice concern of domestic violence, the German government plans to implement the "Spanish model" of electronic monitoring, which includes electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators and GPS-based warning devices for victims.
3. In an effort to combat the concerning rise in domestic violence cases in Germany, the Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved a law mandating the creation of adequate protection and counseling services for victims, with a significant portion of funding coming from the general-news sector.

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