Germany Passes Landmark Law to Combat Violence Against Women
Saxon Approval Marks Milestone in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
Dresden, Germany – The German state of Saxony has voted in favor of a federal law that aims to strengthen protections against violence against women and girls. Social Minister Petra Köpping of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) hailed the decision as a "milestone" in the struggle against this pervasive issue.
"One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime," Köpping emphasized. "The number of assaults has been rising dramatically for years." She stressed that domestic and sexualized violence happen every day, affecting individuals regardless of age, background, or social status.
The new law places an obligation on German states to provide adequate protection and counseling services. To support these efforts, the federal government will provide €2.6 billion in funding between 2027 and 2036. A legal entitlement to free protection and counseling will take effect on January 1, 2032.
Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus of the Green Party described the approval of the law by the upper house of parliament (Bundesrat) as a "historic moment." However, states criticized the limited timeframe for federal financial assistance, which ends in 2036.
A Shift from Hope to Entitlement
Previously, victims of violence could only hope for support. Now, a legally binding right to assistance has been established, which can be enforced through administrative courts. Furthermore, affected women will no longer have to bear the costs of staying in a shelter.
While the law guarantees a right to assistance, it does not create an entitlement to a specific placement in a women’s shelter. This means that shelters will not be forced to accept every woman who seeks admission.
"Violence happens everywhere and across all social strata," Paus said. According to the latest police statistics on gender-based violence, in 2023, nearly every day a woman was killed by a man because she was a woman. Additionally, 400 women per day fell victim to intimate partner violence.
"Our 350 women’s shelters and 100 safe houses nationwide are not enough," Paus emphasized. "In 2022, we had to turn away 15,000 people seeking protection. Clearly, there is an urgent need for action."
Phased Implementation and Future Evaluation
Following its publication in the Federal Law Gazette, the law will come into force in stages. The obligation for states to provide sufficient protection and counseling services will take effect in 2027, while the legal entitlement will follow five years later. The first installment of federal funding to states will also begin in 2027.
In 2030, states must submit a progress report on their implementation efforts to the federal government. Only after this assessment will the remaining funds be disbursed.
The passage of this law represents a significant step forward in Germany’s efforts to combat violence against women. With its combination of legal entitlements, funding, and a phased implementation plan, the law provides a comprehensive framework for strengthening protections and empowering victims.
