Escalating incidences of domestic violence reported within German households
In 2024, a significant rise in domestic violence cases was reported in Germany, with more than 265,000 victims, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). This marked an increase of 3.7% from the previous year and a nearly 14% rise over the past five years[1][2][3]. Women were predominantly affected, making up about 73% of the victims[1].
The increase in domestic violence cases can be attributed to a combination of social crises, personal challenges, and possibly greater willingness to report incidents[2]. Underlying causes include patriarchal violence, family dramas, and overall societal propensity for violence[2]. Women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, facing physical violence at nearly twice the rate of non-disabled women[3].
In response, the German government has taken steps to better protect victims. In February 2025, a law was passed mandating the provision of necessary services for victims, including protection and counseling, backed by a government budget of 2.6 billion euros for 2027-2036 to support states' requests for assistance programs[2].
One proposed solution is the use of electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators, based on the Spanish model[4]. If the perpetrator with the ankle bracelet intentionally or unintentionally gets too close to the victim, an alarm is triggered at the police, and the victim receives a warning[4].
However, experts and advocacy groups emphasize the need for expanded prevention, perpetrator work, faster legal procedures, and mandatory training for police and judiciary to handle domestic violence cases more effectively[3]. There remain significant challenges, as existing shelters reportedly lack the capacity to support all victims, especially women with disabilities[3].
Political parties have also weighed in on the issue. The Greens have emphasized that violence against women is "patriarchal violence" and have called for more prevention, perpetrator work, swift procedures, and mandatory training for police and justice[5]. The Left has called for reforms in custody and visitation rights[6]. The German Social Association (SoVD) has expressed concern about the new figures, with chairwoman Michaela Engelmeier emphasizing the importance of facilities like the 'Counseling Line for Women's Violence'[7].
The Bundesrat has approved a law for better protection of victims, with the federal government providing a total of 2.6 billion euros between 2027 and 2036[8]. The right to free protection and counseling will come into effect on January 1, 2032[9].
In 2023, 94,873 people were victims of intra-family violence, according to a BKA spokesperson[10]. The increase compared to the previous year was approximately 3.7%[1]. Domestic violence remains a pressing issue in Germany, and efforts to address it are ongoing.
[1] Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) [2] Deutsche Welle [3] Spiegel Online [4] Tagesschau [5] Der Spiegel [6] Die Linke [7] Sozialverband VdK Deutschland e.V. [8] Bundesrat [9] Justizministerium [10] Bundeskriminalamt (BKA)
- The rise in domestic violence cases in Germany, as reported in 2024 by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), has led to a significant focus on health-and-wellness issues, particularly mental-health and sexual-health concerns among victims.
- As general-news outlets like Deutsche Welle have reported, the increase in domestic violence cases has been linked to various societal factors, including patriarchal culture, familial conflicts, and a general propensity for violence.
- Moving forward, beyond just addressing the crisis, there's a call for prevention strategies, such as mandatory training for police and judiciary, to better handle domestic violence cases and reduce its occurrence, as emphasized by political parties like the Greens.
- The ongoing efforts to combat domestic violence have also resulted in policy changes, such as the provision of necessary services for victims, as well as the potential use of electronic ankle bracelets for perpetrators, similar to the Spanish model. However, these initiatives face challenges, particularly in terms of providing adequate resources and accommodations for vulnerable groups like women with disabilities.
