Insights on handling domestic violence situations within Germany
In Germany, the alarming rise in domestic violence has prompted the government to take action and improve services for victims.
According to recent statistics, a staggering 256,942 people were officially recognized as victims of domestic violence in 2024. Women remain disproportionately affected, with about 70.5 percent of victims identified as female.
More than half the crimes recorded were simple or aggravated assault. In around a quarter of cases, threats, coercion, or stalking were involved. For immediate danger, call the emergency police number 110 or visit the nearest police station without delay.
Currently, victims can seek help through women's refuges (shelters), though space is limited. Around 69% of women seeking refuge in 2023 were non-German-born. New measures, such as plans for electronic tagging of violent offenders, are being considered to enhance victim protection.
Victims of domestic abuse can request protection orders under the German Act on Protection against Violence. Women's shelters can provide secure accommodation, psychological support, legal advice, and assistance in rebuilding lives.
The German government is actively working to expand and legally guarantee these services. Legislation has been passed that mandates federal states to provide sufficient protection and counselling services, with a legal entitlement to free protection and counselling set to come into effect on January 1, 2032. The federal government will fund these efforts with €2.6 billion between 2027 and 2036.
In addition to women's shelters, victims can access counselling services and protection measures. These include the nationwide, confidential Women's Emergency Helpline (Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen), available 24/7 at 08000 116 016, offering free advice in multiple languages.
The database at frauenhauskoordinierung.de lists secure shelters throughout Germany. Weisser Ring e.V., operating about 400 branches across Germany, offers psychosocial support, legal help, accompaniment to court, and assistance with official matters.
Online counselling is also available at www.hilfetelefon.de. For victims who cannot speak freely or are monitored during video calls or meetings, the "Signal for Help" hand gesture can be used discreetly.
Organisations like DaMigra e.V. focus 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. The Berlin Initiative against Violence towards Women (BIG e.V.) is a Berlin-based non-profit that provides victim assistance.
Clothing can provide evidence of sexual or physical abuse, and many hospitals and outpatient clinics can provide forensic documentation of injuries confidentially and anonymously. If you want to bring criminal charges against your abuser, documenting incidents (including dates, times, type of abuse, and possible witnesses) can support your case.
The rise in violence over the past five years has been attributed to social crises, personal challenges, and greater willingness to report incidents. The government's commitment to improving services for victims of domestic violence is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of affected individuals.
- The rise in domestic violence cases in Germany, as highlighted by the 256,942 victims in 2024, has led to increased focus on mental health and wellness, as well as policy and legislation, to better protect victims.
- In addition to traditional services like women's refuges and counseling, online platforms such as www.hilfetelefon.de offer confidential online counselling for victims who may feel unsafe using traditional methods.
- Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women from marginalized communities, organizations like DaMigra e.V. advocate for policy changes to ensure all women, regardless of their migration or refugee status, have access to mental health, health-and-wellness, and crime-and-justice services designed to protect them from violence.
