Most violent incidents in Germany go unreported. That finding is the core result of the “LeSuBiA” Dark‑Field Study (Lebenssituation, Sicherheit und Belastung im Alltag), carried out by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs.
The study shows that reporting rates remain consistently low across all forms of violence, with most falling below ten percent. Within (ex) partnerships the rates for both psychological and physical violence are even lower-under five percent.
Women are more frequently and severely affected by partner or gender‑based violence than men, especially when it comes to sexual assaults, harassment and stalking. In general, women, young people, people with a migration background and members of the queer community are disproportionately affected.
Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien (CDU) said, “The numbers bring into focus what has long remained hidden: the dark field of partner and sexual violence is enormous. Violence is not a fringe phenomenon; it touches millions in our country. Almost every sixth person experiences physical partner violence – and 19 out of 20 incidents go unreported”.
She added that this silence is not an individual failure but stems from fear and a lack of access to help. “That is why we are removing barriers and, with the new Violence Assistance Act, creating a reliable, nationwide safety net. We must prevent violence before it starts. The blame and shame always lie with the perpetrators, never with the victims”.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced new measures: “The victims need protection and the freedom to move. That is why the Spanish ankle‑brace model is coming to Germany, and the use of KO‑liquids will now be penalised as severely as firearms. We intervene early and educate young people about when partner violence begins. The goal is more protection for victims and tougher punishments for offenders”.
BKA President Holger Münch highlighted the significance of the data: “With this study we now have the first comprehensive, gender‑neutral dark‑field data on violent experiences in Germany. These robust data will help develop targeted protection and support services. At the same time, we must encourage more victims to come forward and seek help”.
“Gender and age patterns”
Although women experience violence more often over their lifetime, the study of the past five years shows that men are likewise affected by psychological violence (23.3 % of men vs 23.8 % of women) and particularly by controlling behaviour (8.7 % of men vs 7.1 % of women). About 16.1 % of all participants have experienced physical violence in a (ex) partnership during their lives, and 5.7 % in the last five years. Within that period, women reported 5.2 % and men 6.1 % – nearly equal.
Age is an important factor. Young people are significantly more affected by all violence types, especially sexual harassment, digital aggression, and the use of KO‑liquids.
“Early‑life violence”
A sizable portion of respondents reported experiencing violence from parents or guardians during childhood or adolescence. Over half of young participants suffered physical violence, more than a third experienced psychological violence, and nearly one in four witnessed violence between caregivers. Those who had such childhood exposure were also more likely to become victims themselves later on.
“Sexual harassment”
Nearly half of all respondents (45.8 %) had endured sexual harassment at least once in their lives, and 26.5 % reported it in the former five years. Among women, 34.7 % were harassed without physical contact in the last five years; one in seven men (14.5 %) experienced the same. With physical contact, 14.5 % of women and 4.6 % of men were harassed. Perpetrators were usually strangers or people only briefly known.
“Sexual assault”
The study finds that 11.2 % of respondents were sexually assaulted at least once in their lives, and 2.7 % in the past five years. Women were much more affected (4.0 %) than men (1.4 %). For women, the most frequent offender was an ex‑partner (46.5 %); for men it was a person they had only vaguely known (33.3 %).
“Stalking”
Overall, 21.2 % had been stalked at least once, and 9.0 % in the last five years. Women reported stalking more often – 10.6 % in the past five years – compared with 7.0 % of men.
“Digital violence”
In the last five years, 20.0 % of women and 13.9 % of men reported experiencing digital violence. Victims tend to be younger: over 60 % of 16‑ to 17‑year‑old women and about 33 % of 16‑ to 17‑year‑old men were targeted in that age group.
The LeSuBiA study illustrates the scope of invisible violence and underscores the urgency of stronger prevention, reporting mechanisms, and support for victims across all demographics.