Germany Passes Groundbreaking Law to Combat Domestic Violence, but Is It Enough?
Germany has officially passed its first federal law addressing domestic violence, marking a significant milestone in the fight for women's safety and rights. The Violence Assistance Act, championed by Family Affairs Minister Lisa Paus, introduces a legal right to free protection and counseling for women affected by violence. “One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. One in three – that means we all know someone,” said Paus, calling the law “truly historic.”
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With €2.6 billion in funding, the government aims to expand shelters and improve access to support services across Germany. The law also strengthens prevention efforts, investing in offender programs, public awareness campaigns, and better coordination between support services.
Staggering Numbers Demand Urgent Action
The 2023 statistics paint a grim reality:
180,715 women were victims of domestic violence, a 5.6% increase from the previous year.
52,330 women suffered sexual violence, marking a 6.2% rise.
17,193 cases of digital violence were reported, surging by 25%.
360 women were killed—nearly one femicide per day.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for immediate action. While the law is a step in the right direction, experts warn that waiting nearly a decade for full implementation could cost lives.
A Long Road Ahead: Why 2032 is Too Late
Despite its progressiveness, the law will not fully come into force until January 2032. This extended timeline is meant to allow federal states to build up the necessary support infrastructure, but women's rights organizations criticize the delay. “There can be no ‘resting’ on this law or waiting for the legal entitlement to come into force,” said Germany’s Association of Women’s Shelters, emphasizing that the delay only increases the risk of violence and femicide.
MEP Katrin Langensiepen stressed the urgency: “The Violence Protection Act will save lives. Access to protective facilities is absolutely essential.” However, with numbers already rising, activists argue that survivors cannot afford to wait another seven years.
Addressing Systemic Gaps in Protection
Beyond domestic violence, the law also includes new protections for women who experience pregnancy loss before the 26th week. Previously overlooked, these women will now have tiered maternity protections, allowing them time to recover.
For children and young people, the new Anti-Abuse Act strengthens safeguards against exploitation and violence. A federal commissioner will oversee implementation, ensuring that victims’ voices are heard, cases are investigated, and preventative measures are reinforced.
What’s Missing: Rape Law Reforms and Clearer Definitions
While the law is an advancement, it fails to define rape under the ‘Only Yes Means Yes’ principle, a standard that some EU countries like Spain have successfully adopted. MEP Alexandra Geese criticized Germany for blocking an EU-wide definition of rape, which would have provided stronger protections for all women in Europe.
“There is still no clear, universal definition of sexual violence,” Geese stated, calling for Germany to align with progressive European standards. Without this, conviction rates remain low, and many survivors struggle to seek justice.
Germany and the EU: A Divided Approach
Across Europe, protections for women remain inconsistent. Despite ratifying the Istanbul Convention and adopting an EU directive on violence against women, Germany and France blocked efforts to define rape at an EU level. This decision sparked criticism, as it weakens the legal framework needed to hold perpetrators accountable.
Langensiepen emphasized the need for dedicated EU funding for women’s protection, ensuring that resources are allocated in future budget negotiations. Without this, many shelters and support services will continue to operate underfunded.
Next Steps: No Time to Wait
While the Violence Assistance Act represents a major victory, women’s rights advocates stress that Germany must act now. Strengthening immediate funding, ensuring survivors' access to justice, and closing legislative loopholes will be key to preventing further violence.
The numbers are stark, the stakes are high, and survivors cannot afford to wait until 2032.
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