Increase in Domestic Violence Cases within Germany's Borders
In the year 2024, Germany saw a significant increase in domestic violence cases, with over 256,000 people registered as victims, marking the highest number on record and a 3.7% increase from the previous year [1][2][3]. Women constituted the majority of victims, accounting for 70.5% to 73–80% of the cases [2][3].
The German Ministry of Family Affairs attributes this increase to broader social problems and individual difficulties that can exacerbate tensions and violence within families [2][3]. The term "patriarchal violence" is used to describe this phenomenon, indicating systemic gender-based power dynamics that disproportionately harm women [3].
Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, experiencing physical violence nearly twice as often as non-disabled women [1][2][3]. However, the support systems for these victims, such as shelters and counseling centers, lack sufficient capacity, exacerbating the problem's severity and impact [2][3].
Statistically, a person became a victim of domestic violence approximately every two minutes in 2024 [4]. Femicides (killings of women related to domestic violence) reportedly tripled compared to 2023, highlighting the most severe consequences of this crisis [4].
Political responses include recent laws to enhance victim protection and significant funding commitments for support services between 2027 and 2036, totaling 2.6 billion euros [2][3]. Advocacy groups call for greater prevention, faster judicial processes, mandatory training for police and judiciary, and reforms in custody rights to better address and reduce domestic violence in Germany [2][3].
The Federal Minister of Justice, Stefanie Hubig, is planning an electronic ankle bracelet for perpetrators, following the Spanish model. This device will alert the police if the perpetrator intentionally or unintentionally comes too close to the victim [2].
The Bundesrat has agreed to a law for better protection of victims, obliging the states to create sufficient protection and counseling offers [1]. The Left Party has called for reforms in custody and visitation rights, while the Green Party's spokeswoman on women's issues, Ulle Schauws, has emphasised the need for more prevention and perpetrator work, swift procedures, and mandatory training for police and justice [2].
[1] Federal Statistical Office of Germany [2] Deutsche Welle [3] The Local [4] Women's Aid Germany
- The alarming rise in domestic violence cases in Germany, with a focus on women's health, is also a concern in the broader context of health-and-wellness and general-news.
- Advocacy groups are seeking changes in crime-and-justice systems, advocating for reforms in custody rights and mandatory training for police and judiciary, to better address and reduce domestic violence, particularly against women.
- In the ongoing discussion about domestic violence, the need for improved support systems, especially for vulnerable groups like women with disabilities, has been highlighted in health-and-wellness, womens-health, and crime-and-justice discourses.
