German Minister Calls for Legal Reforms to Combat Digital Violence Against Women

Lisa Paus highlights legal gaps in prosecuting online violence and possession of explicit videos involving adult victims, urging stronger protections.

Family Minister Lisa Paus has called for closing legal loopholes that allow the possession of explicit violence videos involving adult victims to remain unpunished in Germany.
Paus criticized online platforms like Telegram for hosting content that depicts violence against drugged and defenseless women, describing it as a manifestation of deep-seated misogyny and patriarchal attitudes.
The minister referenced the recent high-profile Avignon case, where Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-defendants were convicted for years of abuse, facilitated via online platforms.
A proposed law to regulate substances like K.-o.-Tropfen (date-rape drugs) and nitrous oxide was under development but stalled due to the collapse of Germany's coalition government in November.
Paus emphasized the importance of reporting violence and urged both women and men to take action, highlighting resources like the 'Violence Against Women' helpline.