One Billion Rising: Global Protest against Violence against Women
Amidst a global wave of demonstrations, approximately 30 individuals in Halle (Saale) joined the international "One Billion Rising" protest to raise awareness about gender-based violence. A similar event is scheduled in Magdeburg, Germany, at the Dom Cathedral at 3 p.m.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Prevalence of Domestic Abuse
According to the Ministry of Equality in Saxony-Anhalt, police have recorded nearly 8,000 cases of domestic violence in 2023, representing an alarming 11% increase compared to the previous year. This figure underscores a significant underreporting issue, as many cases remain unreported.
On a national scale, the situation is equally concerning. The German Federal Criminal Police Office’s Situation Report reveals that nearly one woman falls victim to femicide every day. Approximately 400 women experience violence at the hands of their current or former partners daily. Shockingly, over a third of women in Germany have suffered physical or sexual violence since the age of 15.
Gewalthilfegesetz: A Landmark in Protecting Victims
In response to the urgent need to safeguard victims, the German Bundesrat has passed the Gewalthilfegesetz, or Violence Prevention Act. This groundbreaking legislation grants women and children a federal legal entitlement to protection and counseling, marking a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Minister of Equality, Petra Grimm-Benne, hailed the law as a turning point. She emphasized that 35 years after the establishment of the first women’s shelter in East Germany, the federal government is finally assuming co-responsibility and providing financial support to the states.
Enhancing Protection Measures
Under the new law, states are obligated to expand their protective offerings. The federal government has allocated €2.6 billion for this purpose between 2027 and 2036. The legal entitlement takes effect in 2032, although it does not guarantee a place in a women’s shelter.
Saxony-Anhalt currently operates 19 women’s shelters with 117 protected accommodations. The state has allocated €3.56 million for their operation, with additional funding available for interpreter services.
A Call to Action
The "One Billion Rising" protest serves as a poignant reminder that gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue worldwide. By uniting voices and demanding action, we can create a society where women and girls are empowered to live free from fear and abuse.
Additional Statistics
- Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- In the United States, a woman is murdered by her intimate partner every 72 hours.
- In the United Kingdom, two women are killed each week by a current or former partner.
- In Canada, over 40% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner.
Resources for Victims
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- National Women’s Law Center
