A record number of individuals experienced domestic violence in Germany last year, reaching 256,942 victims, according to data released by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). This figure represents a new high, with approximately one person experiencing abuse from a partner, former partner, or close relative every two minutes. The increase of roughly 3.7 percent marks a concerning trend, following a near 14 percent rise in reported cases over the past five years.
Within the category of “partnership violence” the BKA registered 171,069 victims, an increase of 1.9 percent. Cases of violence within families, a subset of this category, saw 94,873 individuals affected, a rise of 7.3 percent. Women comprise approximately 73 percent of those experiencing domestic violence.
The Family Ministry attributes the increase in domestic violence to a potential rise in aggression linked to societal crises and individual challenges. They also acknowledge that a greater willingness to report incidents could be contributing to the higher figures. The recently passed Violence Assistance Act, approved in February, is being hailed as a significant step forward in combating domestic violence, with plans to provide legally guaranteed access to counseling and protection for affected women, including a secured place in a women’s shelter, starting in 2032.
Jasmina Hostert, the SPD’s parliamentary spokesperson for women’s affairs, emphasized the importance of ratifying and fully implementing the Istanbul Convention across all EU member states. This international treaty commits Germany to specific measures aimed at preventing violence against women. Hostert further advocated for effective, EU-funded preventative measures alongside large-scale awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
The Green Party asserted that violence against women is not a matter of “family dramas” but rather reflects “patriarchal violence”. Their spokesperson, Ulle Schauws, called for increased preventative and perpetrator programs, expedited legal proceedings and mandatory training for police and judicial personnel.
The Left party has proposed reforms to custody and visitation rights, highlighting instances where abusive former partners utilize these rights to maintain control over their ex-partners.
