The German Left party’s spokesperson for women’s affairs and deputy parliamentary group leader, Kathrin Gebel, is sharply criticizing the federal government’s handling of domestic violence, alleging a systemic failure to adequately support victims. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, Gebel painted a grim picture, asserting that the current situation confirms years of warnings from victims and women’s shelters: violence against women is not an isolated incident but an ingrained reality.
Gebel dismissed the government’s piecemeal interventions as insufficient, arguing for a fundamental overhaul of the support infrastructure. She stressed the urgent need for a comprehensively funded assistance system, a significant increase in protective housing options, robust women’s shelters and a concerted focus on rehabilitating perpetrators.
A key point of contention, according to Gebel, lies in the prioritization of legal proceedings concerning visitation rights and child custody. “As long as protection from violence isn’s paramount in these matters, the political responsibility towards women and children remains unfulfilled” she stated. She argues this demonstrates a failure to confront the deeply rooted patriarchal structures that underpin domestic abuse.
Beyond immediate support, Gebel emphasized the need for tangible economic empowerment for women. “Affordable housing and the opportunity for a life free from poverty are crucial, enabling women to escape abusive relationships” she explained, highlighting the link between financial vulnerability and an inability to break free from violent situations.
Furthermore, Gebel called for structural reforms within the justice system, demanding comprehensive training for police officers, judges and prosecutors to ensure a trauma-informed approach to cases involving domestic violence. “These are just a few examples that would genuinely benefit those affected, rather than just offering platitudes” she concluded, implicitly accusing the government of symbolic gestures over substantial action. Her comments underscore a growing demand for a more holistic and proactive response to a pervasive social problem.
