Landmark Law for Women’s Protection Hailed, But Concerns Raised
Across Party Lines, NRW’s Landtag Applauds New Violence Assistance Act
In a unanimous decision, the CDU, Greens, and SPD in the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Landtag have hailed the new Violence Assistance Act as a "milestone" in protecting women and children. However, they have also called for an earlier and more energetic expansion of support services.
During a special session, speakers emphasized that protecting women is an integral part of the state’s internal security. Notably, only women spoke during the debate.
Progress Made, but More to Do
"With this law, we have taken an important step, but we are far from realizing the right to a life free from violence," acknowledged Minister for Family Affairs and Gender Equality Josefine Paul (Greens). "Crimes against women and girls are increasing in all areas—domestic, sexualized, digital violence, and human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation."
The law, passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat, grants women and children affected by violence a legal right to protection and counseling. States are obligated to provide ample protective measures and counseling services, receiving €2.6 billion in federal funding for this purpose from 2027 to 2036. The legal right to free protection and counseling is set to come into effect on January 1, 2032.
Cross-Party Cooperation Demonstrated
For SPD member Anja Butschkau, the joint passage of the law in the Bundestag, supported by SPD, Greens, CDU, and the Left, shows that finding a cross-party consensus is possible, even during times of conflict and crisis. "This is what happens when conflicts concerning women are addressed and resolved by women," Butschkau stated.
Criticism from Opposition Parties
However, FDP member Susanne Schneider dismissed the Landtag debate as a "mere PR stunt." She accused the CDU and Greens of "self-congratulation" while doing only the bare minimum to help women. Schneider also raised concerns about a potential funding gap and the risk of the legal right becoming ineffective if sufficient shelters are not available.
Enxhi Seli-Zacharias of the AfD accused the CDU, Greens, and SPD of "blatant self-deception," claiming they were presenting the law as a "historic day" despite the fact that women continue to fall victim to violence in Germany every day. "This is not a success, but a sad reality," she asserted.
Deplorable Statistics
According to the latest police report on gender-based violence, almost every day in 2023, a woman in Germany was killed by a man simply because she was a woman. Additionally, 400 women per day became victims of domestic violence.
Call for Increased Commitment
In light of these alarming statistics, the NRW Landtag’s recognition of the Violence Assistance Act as a crucial step deserves commendation. However, as emphasized by the speakers, the fight against violence against women is far from over. Concerted efforts from all parties involved are necessary to ensure that the legal right to protection and counseling becomes a tangible reality for those in need.
Adequate funding, timely implementation, and a sustained commitment to expanding support services are essential to provide a safe environment for women and children in NRW and beyond. Only then can the goal of a society free from violence for all citizens be fully realized.
