Status report on domestic violence in 2023: A frightening level of violence

The first created and published Situation report on domestic violence and the development contained therein, in which a person becomes a victim of domestic violence every two minutes, is frightening and illustrates the urgent need for action in our society. DaMigra calls on politicians to act quickly. It is time for politicians to live up to their commitments and take effective, integrated action to protect women from violence.

The figures presented on July 11 by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community (BMI) and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) underline an alarming but unfortunately not surprising situation. Case numbers of violence increased by 2021% in 8,5 - although they only represent the cases recorded by the police and a high number of unreported cases is suspected, there is a worrying increase of 9,4% in those affected by violence by a partner or ex-partner. Partners in 2022 compared to last year. A total of 126.349 women were victims of intimate partner violence and 133 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner. These figures speak for themselves and require decisive action.

In particular, refugee and migrant women and women who experience multiple discrimination are at risk of violence. We therefore urgently appeal to the government to implement concrete measures to combat domestic violence immediately. It is not enough to just publish the figures and announce studies. A holistic approach is required that takes into account intersectional, feminist and anti-racist perspectives. It is time to implement coordinated, interlocking and political action as required by the Istanbul Convention.

The Situation report on domestic violence underlines that the implementation of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women NOW must have priority. As early as 2022, the Council of Europe’s GREVIO expert group, which is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, called on the German government to address deficits in the coordination of measures to prevent and combat all forms of gender-based violence. These include, in particular, the lack of shelters for victims of domestic violence and the high access barriers to protection and counseling facilities for certain groups of victims, especially women with disabilities, people from the LGBTQIA+ community or refugee women who are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence.

If the traffic light government is committed to a comprehensive human rights policy, then it must work to protect human rights for all, especially the most vulnerable groups. And always and everywhere.