After the release of a new dark‑field study on violence, the call for decisive action has grown louder. The Federal Association of Women’s Counseling Centres and Women’s Helplines (Bundesverband Frauenberatungsstellen und Frauennotrufe, BFF) argues that, given the figures, the system that supports victims needs serious expansion and structural, financial security. Claudia Igney, a BFF spokeswoman speaking to the Funke‑Media newspapers in their Wednesday issues, said the violence‑assistance act that will be enacted in 2025 is a first step. That law will, starting in 2032, establish a legal right to protection and help for every woman affected by gender‑based or domestic violence. “It has to be implemented consistently and according to need” she added.
Igney said that reducing violence is a whole‑society task. It requires a coordinated approach that covers prevention, support for victims, victim protection, law‑enforcement, perpetrator work (for instance, social‑skills courses for violent offenders) and additional training for professionals in health care, education, police and the judiciary.
The study shows that the dark field is especially large in partner violence. “Less than five per cent of violent acts are reported to the police” Igney noted. “Low‑threshold help services, such as those offered by specialized counselling centres, are therefore crucial”. These services adapt to what the victim needs at a given moment. If a crime has happened only recently, the priority may be to process the experience, regain stability in daily life and consider the next steps.
For partner‑violence victims, the Violence Protection Act provides useful tools such as contact‑and‑approach bans against an abusive ex‑partner, or the possibility to move in with a friend for a few days and calmly plan further actions. If children are involved, arrangements must be made for visitation and custody. Training for all professionals who might encounter victims-especially medical staff-is also essential for low‑threshold assistance.
Igney highlighted that young people are particularly affected by violence. “Prevention and support must start early, in kindergartens and schools” she told the Funke newspapers. “Achieving gender equality and reducing power imbalances is a societal goal. Wherever power imbalances and dependencies exist, violence thrives”. She gave examples such as supervisors abusing their authority and women who, because of financial dependence, cannot leave an abusive husband. Many areas require structural change. While some progress is being made, it is often isolated. “Protection from violence and support for victims must always be a priority, not just on 25 November or when a new study is presented”.
Britta Haesselmann, Chair of the Green parliamentary group, pointed out that Germany faces a “massive violence problem”. “The scale of violence against women is appalling; they are frequent victims of physical violence and sexual assault” she said, referencing the dark‑field study. “For years women have spoken out about structural violence” she added. “They need more protection and must be heard”.
Haesselmann praised the new violence‑assistance law as an important step. She urged the current federal government to build on it, to stand by women affected by violence, and to give a clear policy voice to them. Key demands include strengthening low‑threshold helplines, expanding services for women in crisis, and providing better protection for women and queer people. “Violence has no place in our society” she affirmed.