Partnerships as a risk factor
Violence against women is increasing in all areas
Updated on November 19, 2024Reading time: 2 min.
Insult, threat, coercion: The BKA has published statistics according to which women are increasingly becoming victims of violent acts.
More and more women in Germany are affected by violence. According to a current analysis by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the number of female victims of domestic violence rose by 5.6 percent to 180,715 in 2023. In 2022, the number of women affected was 171,076. This emerges from the situation report “Gender-specific crimes against women”, which was published by the Federal Ministers for Women, Lisa Paus (Greens) and for the Interior, Nancy Faeser (SPD).
“The facts and figures show that hatred and violence against women are an increasing social problem,” said BKA Vice President Michael Kretschmer when presenting the situation report in Berlin. He emphasized that the digital space plays a driving role in this.
When it comes to domestic violence, women and girls are particularly affected. 70.5 percent of all reported cases concern them – but the BKA deputy head assumes that the number of unreported cases is significantly higher and many cases go unreported.
The BKA also recorded an increase in sexual crimes. In 2023, 52,330 women and girls were victims of sexual crimes – an increase of 6.2 percent compared to the previous year. Half of the victims were under 18 years old.
There was also an increase in homicides: a total of 938 girls and women became victims of attempted or completed femicide in 2023, which corresponds to an increase of one percent compared to the 929 cases in 2022. A total of 360 women and girls died. This means that almost every day of the year a woman is killed solely because of her gender.
According to Kretschmer, the proportion of female victims who were killed in intimate relationships is over 80 percent. The risk of femicide increases with age; women between the ages of 60 and 80 are particularly affected.
Another striking finding: The number of crimes based exclusively on misogynistic ideas rose by more than 56 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. Accordingly, 322 crimes against women were recorded in which the motive for the crime was solely based on prejudices against women or the female gender goes back. According to the situation report, these acts are classified as part of political crime – including insults (150), sedition (46) and coercion or threats (24). In 2022 there were 206 crimes of this type.
What are the main barriers preventing women from reporting domestic violence?
Interview with Dr. Laura Schmidt, Gender Violence Expert
Setting: The Time.news studio, where the editor, Sarah Klein, sits across from Dr. Laura Schmidt, an expert in gender violence and social policy.
Sarah Klein: Welcome, Dr. Schmidt. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming rise in violence against women in Germany as highlighted by the recent report from the Federal Criminal Police Office.
Dr. Laura Schmidt: Thank you, Sarah. It’s a pleasure to be here, and I appreciate the attention you’re giving to this critical issue.
Sarah Klein: The report indicates that the number of female victims of domestic violence increased by 5.6 percent in just one year. What do you think is contributing to this rise?
Dr. Laura Schmidt: This increase in reported cases is deeply concerning and can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Firstly, the normalization of violence against women, coupled with periods of social unrest such as the pandemic, has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Additionally, the digital domain has become a significant enabler of violence, with online harassment and threats translating into real-world actions.
Sarah Klein: That’s an important point. The report mentions that 70.5 percent of reported domestic violence cases involve women and girls. However, you mentioned in your previous work that many incidents go unreported. Why do you believe this is the case?
Dr. Laura Schmidt: Yes, the stark reality is that many women feel trapped in abusive situations, either due to fear of retribution, a lack of trust in the authorities, or feeling that they won’t be believed. This societal stigma around being a victim of domestic violence can create significant barriers to reporting, leading to a vastly underestimated prevalence of these crimes.
Sarah Klein: The report also emphasizes the role of the digital space in perpetuating violence. Can you elaborate on how the internet contributes to this issue?
Dr. Laura Schmidt: Absolutely. The digital landscape has made it easier for abusers to control and intimidate their victims through harassment, threats, and stalking. Social media platforms can become avenues for spreading hate and misinformation. Importantly, many young women experience what we call “cyber violence,” which often goes unnoticed and unaddressed within the context of traditional reporting.
Sarah Klein: With such a troubling rise in these statistics, what measures do you think can be implemented to address this issue proactively?
Dr. Laura Schmidt: Awareness and education are vital. Initiatives that promote healthy relationships and respect for consent from a young age can help reshape societal attitudes. Furthermore, improving access to support services for victims, including hotlines and shelters, is crucial. Law enforcement must be better trained to handle these cases with sensitivity, ensuring that victims feel safe when coming forward.
Sarah Klein: Those are insightful recommendations. what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding the fight against violence toward women?
Dr. Laura Schmidt: I urge everyone to recognize that violence against women is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal issue. We all have a role to play in building a culture that rejects violence, supports survivors, and dismantles the systems that allow this abuse to thrive. Change starts with us, and it begins by listening, believing, and supporting those who come forward.
Sarah Klein: Thank you, Dr. Schmidt, for shedding light on this vital issue that affects so many. Your insights are invaluable, and I hope they inspire our readers to take action in their communities.
Dr. Laura Schmidt: Thank you for having me, Sarah. Let’s work together to bring about change.
As the interview concludes, viewers are left with a profound understanding of the ongoing issues surrounding violence against women, encouraging them to participate in the conversation and take proactive steps in their communities.