Information on managing domestic violence situations in Germany

Information on managing domestic violence situations in Germany

In recent years, domestic violence has emerged as a significant concern in Germany, with cases increasing by approximately 14% over the past five years 1. Although a comprehensive analysis of this trend, specifically focusing on cases involving current or former partners, is not explicitly detailed in the available search results, several contributing factors can be inferred from broader contexts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on society, and domestic settings are no exception. The increased time spent at home during lockdowns can exacerbate tensions, leading to rises in domestic violence reports 2. Economic stress, such as the high energy prices noted in 2024, may also contribute to household stress, potentially correlating with higher domestic violence incidents 3.

Improvements in victim support services and legal frameworks have encouraged more victims to report abuse, leading to an apparent increase in recorded cases 4. Additionally, potential influencing social dynamics such as relationship stress, mental health issues, or substance abuse could also play a role 5.

Despite the lack of specific figures or a clear analysis from the searched data for Germany, official German government crime statistics, domestic violence research institutes, and experts such as those at the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) offer valuable insights into the domestic violence trends in the country.

In 2024, a total of 256,942 people were officially recognized as victims of domestic violence in Germany 6. Women remain disproportionately affected by domestic violence, with about 70.5% of victims identified as female 7. Women with disabilities in Germany suffer physical violence nearly twice as often as those without disabilities 8.

Most domestic violence cases in Germany occur within intimate partnerships or ex-partnerships 9. Victims of domestic abuse can seek protection under the German Act on Protection against Violence, which allows for the issuance of protection orders 10. The protection orders can impose contact bans or oblige the perpetrator to leave the shared home 11.

For those in need of support, organisations such as Weisser Ring e.V. (weisser-ring.de / 116 006) offer psychosocial support, legal help, accompaniment to court, and assistance with official matters 12. The German nationwide, confidential Women's Emergency Helpline (08000 116 016) provides free advice in multiple languages, crisis counselling, safety planning, and directs victims to local support services 13.

DaMigra e.V. (damigra.de) focuses on women with migration or refugee experience, advocating for protection from violence for all women and pointing out gaps in legislation that leave marginalized groups vulnerable 14. More information about the protection orders is available in the "Greater Protection in Cases of Domestic Violence" brochure (in English) 15.

Victims of domestic abuse are advised to document incidents, including dates, times, the type of abuse, and possible witnesses 16. The website frauenhauskoordinierung.de provides a list of secure shelters throughout Germany 17.

More than half the crimes recorded were simple or aggravated assault 18. Around a quarter of domestic violence cases in Germany involve threats, coercion, or stalking 19. Just over four percent of those affected were victims of sexual offences 20.

In times of distress, it's crucial for victims to remember that they are not alone. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, resources are available to help. The "Signal for Help" hand gesture, discreetly made during video calls or meetings, can signal for help without drawing attention 21.

1. The rise in domestic violence cases in Germany over the past five years could potentially be linked to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic stress, and mental health issues.
2. Increased reporting of domestic violence in Germany can be attributed to improvements in victim support services and legal frameworks, encouraging more victims to come forward.
3. In addition to economic stress, relationship stress, mental health issues, or substance abuse could also contribute to the occurrence of domestic violence.
4. Women and women with disabilities are disproportionately affected by domestic violence in Germany, with a majority of victims identified as female.
5. Organizations like Weisser Ring e.V., the German nationwide Women's Emergency Helpline, and DaMigra e.V. offer various forms of support, ranging from psychosocial assistance to legal help, for victims of domestic abuse.

Read also: