In 2023, more than 1,100 women and girls in Germany became victims of physical and psychological violence every day, often from those close to them, according to a report from the German Institute for Human Rights (DIMR).
Although some progress has been made in recent years, such as the introduction of prison sentences for stalking, the overall situation remains alarming, says Müşerref Tanrıverdi, who is responsible for gender violence expertise at DIMR.
“We urgently need a comprehensive strategy from politicians, the administration, and the judiciary to better protect victims and put an end to violence,” Tanriverdi stated. She noted that violence against women is often downplayed in Germany. “When a man kills a woman because she broke up with him, it is not a ‘tragic family incident,’ but a murder,” Tanrıverdi was quoted by Tagesschau.
DIMR experts are calling on the German government to take specific actions: urgently increase the number of spaces in women’s shelters and make consultations more accessible to women. Additionally, a law should be passed to assist and protect victims of violence, and the police and judiciary should be trained to more effectively pursue offenders, the report recommends. It also suggests working with individuals who have committed violence in an attempt to prevent further crimes.
