Rise in Domestic Violence Incidents within Germany's Borders
Germany Tackles Rise in Domestic Violence with Comprehensive Measures
Germany is taking decisive action to address the increasing incidence of domestic violence, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women with disabilities. The Violence Assistance Act, passed in February 2025, establishes a legal framework to protect victims and provide them with free counselling, with full implementation planned by January 2032[1][2].
The Act includes measures such as contact bans, exclusion orders, eviction from the home, and temporary custody to safeguard victims from perpetrators[3]. The legislation also addresses the specific needs of women with disabilities, with practical safeguards aimed at institutional care settings where they are at greater risk[4].
However, concerns remain about transparency regarding inspections and sanctions in these settings. The German Human Rights Committee has urged further harmonization of mental health laws and protection against involuntary hospitalization for people with psychosocial disabilities, which affects women with disabilities subjected to domestic abuse[4].
Counselling and support services are being expanded, with a focus on accessibility. However, there are gaps in providing low-threshold support in multiple languages and 24/7 availability, which are vital for marginalized groups like disabled women[3]. Some federal states, like Hesse and Saxony, have begun implementing electronic ankle monitors for offenders to enhance victim safety, with plans for nationwide regulation of such measures[2][3].
The German Social Association (SoVD) has expressed concern about the rise in domestic violence cases. Michaela Engelmeier, the chairperson of SoVD, emphasized the importance of facilities like the 'Counseling Telephone for Violence against Women'[5].
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig plans to introduce an electronic ankle bracelet for violent partners to better protect women. Hubig's plan is similar to the Spanish model, where no fixed exclusion zones are monitored, but the distance between the perpetrator and victim is crucial[6]. If the perpetrator with the ankle bracelet intentionally or unintentionally gets too close, the police are alerted, and the victim receives a warning[6].
In 2024, Germany recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases with 265,942 officially affected individuals, an increase of approximately 3.7% compared to the previous year[7]. On average, a person became a victim of domestic violence approximately every two minutes in 2024[8]. Women have been predominantly affected in recent years, accounting for a majority of domestic violence cases[9].
The Greens have labelled violence against women as "patriarchal violence" and called for more prevention, perpetrator work, swift procedures, and mandatory training for police and justice[10]. The law obliges states to create sufficient protection and counselling services, with the federal government providing a total of 2.6 billion euros between 2027 and 2036[11].
As Germany continues to address this critical issue, it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
[1] Gewalthilfegesetz [2] Hesse implements electronic ankle monitors [3] Saxony implements electronic ankle monitors [4] German Human Rights Committee report [5] Counseling Telephone for Violence against Women [6] Hubig's plan for electronic ankle bracelet [7] BKA statistics 2024 [8] BKA statistics 2024 [9] BKA statistics 2024 [10] Greens' statement on domestic violence [11] Federal government funding for protection and counselling services
Science can play a vital role in understanding and addressing the increasing domestic violence in Germany, particularly focusing on mental health and specific needs of vulnerable groups like women with disabilities [4, 9]. Health-and-wellness initiatives, such as expanded counselling and support services, are crucial to ensure accessibility and 24/7 support in multiple languages for marginalized groups [3].
The legislation aimed at minimizing domestic violence also encompasses crime-and-justice measures, such as electronic ankle monitors, which have been implemented in certain federal states to enhance victim safety [2, 3]. General news reports indicate ongoing concerns about transparency regarding inspections and sanctions in institutional care settings [4].
The German government's commitment to tackling domestic violence is not limited to legal frameworks but extends to policy measures and funding for protection and counselling services [10, 11]. Mental health laws and protection against involuntary hospitalization for people with psychosocial disabilities remain key areas for further harmonization as per the German Human Rights Committee [4].
