Increased Incidences of Domestic Violence Within German Homes
In 2024, Germany saw a concerning increase in domestic violence cases, with over 265,942 people affected, marking a 3.7% rise from the previous year [1][2]. This alarming trend has been attributed to multiple interrelated factors, including a rise in the propensity for violence, ongoing "family dramas," and persistent patriarchal violence.
Women have predominantly been affected by domestic violence in recent years. Statistically, a person became a victim of domestic violence approximately every two minutes in 2024 [2]. Shockingly, around 73-80% of these victims were women, with particular vulnerability among women with disabilities who suffer nearly twice as much physical violence as non-disabled women [1][2][5].
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reported that partner or ex-partner violence rose by about 1.9%, and intra-family violence increased by 7.3% [1][2]. The increase is viewed by experts and Germany's Ministry of Family Affairs partly as a deeper social crisis marked by violence ingrained in family and gender power dynamics [2].
The German Social Association (SoVD) highlights the importance of support services like helplines and shelters, which are currently insufficient, especially for disabled women [2]. The Left has also called for reforms to custody and visitation rights, while the Greens have stated that violence against women is "patriarchal violence" and have called for more prevention, perpetrator work, swift procedures, and mandatory training for police and justice [2].
The Bundesrat has agreed to a law for better protection of victims, which will oblige states to create sufficient protection and counseling services [2]. In an effort to enhance protection, Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig is planning an electronic ankle bracelet for violent offenders, modeled after the Spanish system [2]. This bracelet will alert the police if the offender comes too close to the victim, as determined by a GPS unit worn by the victim.
The German government will provide a total of 2.6 billion euros for the implementation of this law between 2027 and 2036 [2]. The legal claim to free protection and counseling will apply from January 1, 2032 [2]. Stefanie Hubig plans to present a bill for this regulation after the summer [3].
As we move forward, it is crucial to address the root causes of domestic violence and provide adequate support and resources for victims. The rise in domestic violence cases underscores the need for comprehensive reforms, increased funding, and a concerted effort from all sectors of society to combat this growing issue.
[1] Bundeskriminalamt (2024). Statistisches Jahrbuch des Bundeskriminalamts 2024. Wiesbaden: Bundeskriminalamt. [2] Deutsche Presse-Agentur (2024). Germany sees rise in domestic violence cases. Berlin: Deutsche Presse-Agentur. [3] Hubig, S. (2024). Interview with Stefanie Hubig on domestic violence. Berlin: Tagesspiegel. [4] Sozialverband VdK Deutschland (2024). Statement on the rise in domestic violence cases. Berlin: Sozialverband VdK Deutschland. [5] World Health Organization (2020). Preventing intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women: taking action and generating evidence. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- In light of the concerning increase in domestic violence cases, there is a pressing need for general news outlets to shed light on the health-and-wellness issue of women's health and the disproportionate impact on women, including those with disabilities.
- The rise in domestic violence cases highlights the urgent need for science and experts to research and understand the interrelated factors driving this crime-and-justice issue, such as family dramas and patriarchal violence, to inform comprehensive reforms.
- With growing concerns around domestic violence, the German government's investment in support services like helplines, shelters, and electronic ankle bracelets for violent offenders can be seen as a valuable step forward in improving health-and-wellness outcomes for women facing domestic violence.
