Germany is poised to formally define “Feminicide” a term denoting the targeted killing of women solely based on their gender, a move signaling a potential shift in how the nation addresses gender-based violence. Currently, the concept lacks a specific legal framework within German law, hindering consistent data collection and prosecution strategies.
Responding to growing pressure from human rights organizations and international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has established a joint working group with state authorities to create a unified, nationwide police definition for the term. The initiative aims to move beyond the previous, somewhat ambiguous approach of cataloging all killings of women and girls as potential feminicides without analyzing the underlying motives.
The BKA’s 2023 report on gender-specific crimes highlighted a stark reality: nearly 1,000 cases potentially fitting the feminicide definition were recorded, with 360 resulting in fatalities. This figure, while disturbing, is likely an underrepresentation of the true scope of the problem due to the lack of a precise legal definition. The WHO emphasizes that feminicides are rooted in entrenched power imbalances and patriarchal structures, often perpetrated by intimate partners and frequently preceded by patterns of abuse, intimidation and sexual violence.
Critics contend that the delayed action is a symptom of a broader reluctance within German law enforcement and political circles to fully confront the systemic nature of gender-based violence. The absence of a definitive legal definition has historically complicated prosecutions and limited access to specialized support services for victims. While the BKA’s initiative is welcomed, some fear that the projected timeframe for results – the first half of 2026 – reflects a cautious and potentially inadequate response to an urgent societal issue. The effectiveness of the new definition will hinge not only on its precision but also on its impact on prevention strategies, law enforcement training and the broader cultural shift required to address the root causes of feminicide.