Agenciesspecializingin counselingexpressconcernregardingthe escalatingissueoffemicide.
In Germany, the Federal Association of Women's Counseling Centers and Women's Emergency Numbers (bff) acknowledges that more needs to be done to safeguard women from domestic violence, which frequently results in fatalities. Women are frequently advised casually to "just leave him," but this can be perilous if potential threats are dismissed, as pointed out by Katja Grieger, bff's managing director. It's crucial for women to receive professional aid, such as at counseling centers, noted Grieger. Germany has been falling short in investing enough funds for women's protection, she added.
In 2023, 155 women in Germany were killed by their partners or ex-partners, which was an increase of 22 from the previous year. In the same period, 24 men were victims of deadly domestic violence.
Berlin recently saw two instances of such incidents where women were murdered. On a Friday evening, a 28-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death by her ex-partner. Just a few days earlier, a 36-year-old was reportedly murdered by her ex-husband.
Reactions from the immediate environment
Femicides, primarily the killing of women by partners or ex-partners, often occur in separation or post-separation situations, explained Grieger. "When a violent, controlling, and humiliating partnership comes to an end, the woman expressing an intention to separate, separating, or having separated is at the highest risk of being killed," she added.
When women experience violence or are threatened, they usually turn to their immediate social circle, such as friends or family members first. "It's crucial that approached trusted persons respond with solidarity and support," stressed Grieger. Unfortunately, affected individuals often report hearing statements like "well, it always takes two" or "I can't imagine that, he seems like such a nice guy."
Grieger explained that affected individuals receive support and risk assessment at counseling centers. Professional experts, familiar with the topic, provide support and can also conduct a risk assessment together with the woman. In high-risk situations, women can seek refuge in women's shelters, provided they can find a place. "In instances of acute escalation and danger, the police should be called as they are responsible for acute risk prevention," she added.
Inadequate risk management
Grieger noted that the Istanbul Convention – a Council of Europe convention meant to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence – has been in effect in Germany since 2018. However, complete risk management outlined in the convention is not yet implemented in Germany.
The convention mandates a systematic risk and danger assessment involving all relevant actors – like the police, youth welfare office, or counseling centers – who jointly evaluate the danger situation and risk for the woman and her children, then take appropriate measures. However, this is an expensive undertaking as it requires personnel, Grieger stated.
She criticized that the Assistance to Victims of Violence Act has yet to be implemented into law. "Only such a law coupled with an increase in financial resources can truly make a difference in the daily violence that claims a woman's life every other day," she asserted.
In response to the two incidents in Berlin, Federal Minister for Women Lisa Paus (Greens) stated that she is currently working on the Assistance to Victims of Violence Act, which will grant all victims of violence a right to assistance. "This saves lives. It will also cost money to support the federal states in providing more prevention and protection facilities for women. We have far too few of them," Paus stated.
Women in Germany, facing domestic violence, often turn to their trusted social circle for support. It's essential that these individuals respond with solidarity and understanding, as Grieger emphasized, to help mitigate the situation.
Despite Germany being a signatory to the Istanbul Convention since 2018, complete implementation of the risk and danger assessment outlined in the convention is yet to be achieved due to the associated costs, as critiqued by Grieger.
