Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Karin Prien, has launched a forceful call for comprehensive action to safeguard women from violence, highlighting a deepening crisis of domestic abuse and femicide within Germany. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Minister Prien characterized violence against women as an “everyday crime” that demands a fundamental shift in approach, moving beyond condemnation to proactive prevention.
The call follows the recent publication of a stark report, co-released with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), detailing the pervasive nature of the problem. The report revealed a concerning surge in incidents, with over 135,000 women and girls becoming victims of partner violence in 2024 alone-a rate exceeding 15 victims per hour. Critics are already questioning whether the reported numbers fully reflect the scale of the problem, citing underreporting due to fear and distrust of authorities.
While acknowledging existing prevention and support programs, Minister Prien emphasized the urgent need for a “clear legal and societal position” regarding femicide and violence against women. This includes strengthening preventative measures, enhancing data collection to better understand the patterns and drivers of abuse and bolstering victim support networks.
However, some political analysts believe the proposed measures lack concrete specifics and may be insufficient to address the systemic issues contributing to the crisis. Opponents point to inadequate funding for shelters and support services, as well as a chronic shortage of qualified personnel to handle domestic violence cases – areas requiring immediate attention. Furthermore, there is increasing scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in prosecuting perpetrators and ensuring victim safety.
The Minister’s pledge to create an environment where women “can live safely and freely” is being interpreted by some as a recognition of a broader societal failure, one that necessitates a coordinated effort across government, law enforcement and community organizations. The challenge now lies in translating promises of action into tangible and impactful reforms that will genuinely protect women and address the root causes of gender-based violence.
