Berlin [Germany], August 3 (ANI): Every two minutes, someone in Germany becomes a victim of domestic violence, and experts warn that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher due to widespread underreporting, according to Euro News. Women are particularly affected, accounting for nearly 80 percent of reported cases.
The number of domestic violence cases in Germany reached a record high in 2024, Welt am Sonntag reported, citing the latest data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). A total of 256,942 cases were officially registered—the highest number ever recorded. This marks a 3.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Despite the official rise, experts believe these figures may represent only a fraction of the true scope, as many incidents within private settings remain unreported. In 2023, the number of femicides in Germany nearly tripled compared to the previous year. On average, one woman is killed almost every day, with the perpetrator often being a current or former partner.
In response to the growing crisis, German authorities are considering the use of electronic ankle bracelets for offenders, modeled after a system already in place in Spain. The devices are currently being used in the states of Hesse and Saxony, and the federal government is reportedly working on implementing a nationwide policy.
The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs attributes the rise in domestic violence partly to an increasing willingness to use violence in the face of social crises and personal stressors. However, the ministry also noted that a greater societal willingness to report abuse may be contributing to the rise in recorded cases.
To enhance protections for victims, Germany passed new legislation earlier this year. In February, the Bundesrat approved a law previously passed by the Bundestag aimed at significantly improving services for victims. Under the new law, federal states will be mandated to provide comprehensive protection and counseling services across the country. The federal government has pledged €2.6 billion to support these services from 2027 to 2036.
About The Author
