Bundesrat to Consider Law Providing Legal Entitlement to Protection and Counseling for Victims of Violence by 2032
Introduction
The Bundesrat (Federal Council) is expected to consider a law that would grant women affected by violence a legal entitlement to free protection and counseling starting in 2032. The law aims to provide comprehensive support for victims, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Provisions of the Law
The Gewalthilfegesetz (Violence Assistance Act) was passed by the Bundestag (German parliament) two weeks ago. It mandates the federal states (Länder) to establish sufficient protection and counseling services. Over a ten-year period, the federal government will allocate a total of EUR 2.6 billion to support the implementation of these services.
Implementation in Niedersachsen
The Sozialministerium (Ministry of Social Affairs) in Niedersachsen has expressed its commitment to supporting the law’s implementation. However, the need for additional women’s shelters and spaces will depend on a thorough assessment of demand.
Current Situation
Niedersachsen currently has 46 state-funded women’s shelters with a capacity for 441 women and approximately 880 children. This represents a slight increase compared to 2018, when there were 41 shelters with 371 women’s spaces.
The occupancy rate of women’s shelters in Niedersachsen remains around 67%, with variations between individual shelters. Approximately 10% of women’s spaces are regularly available, but the regional distribution varies significantly.
Need Assessment
The ministry has emphasized that while there is no general shortage of women’s shelter spaces in Niedersachsen, not every municipality has a shelter available. The demand tends to be higher in urban areas.
To address this issue, Niedersachsen introduced a traffic light system in 2019 for all 46 women’s shelters. This system provides up-to-date information on the occupancy status and facilitates the referral of women to other shelters if necessary.
Future Steps
If the Bundesrat approves the law, Niedersachsen will be required to conduct an analysis of the necessary protection and counseling capacities by the end of 2026. Based on the results, the state can proceed with the establishment of the required infrastructure.
Additional Information
- The law also includes provisions for psychological counseling, financial support, and legal assistance for victims of violence.
- The federal government will establish a central body to coordinate the implementation of the law and provide guidance to the states.
- The law is expected to strengthen the protection of women affected by violence and contribute to the prevention of further victimization.
