Germany Faces Rising Violence Against Women, Highlighting Systemic Failures

A week-long investigation reveals pervasive gender-based violence, inadequate support systems, and increasing demand for reforms.

A detailed investigation in Erfurt and Ludwigshafen documented widespread gender-based violence, with incidents ranging from stalking to femicides.
An average of one woman is killed daily in Germany, with 70.5% of victims of domestic violence being women, according to police statistics.
Women’s shelters and support services face critical underfunding and overcapacity, leaving many victims without immediate help or protection.
Legal and systemic barriers, including slow judicial processes and insufficient specialized training, discourage victims from reporting crimes or seeking justice.
Advocates call for urgent reforms, including stable funding for shelters, faster legal proceedings, and expanded perpetrator intervention programs.