Germany's New Law Grants Women Legal Right to Protection from Violence by 2032
The Gewalthilfegesetz promises €2.6 billion for shelters and support services, but critics say immediate action is needed to address the current crisis of violence against women.
- The newly passed Gewalthilfegesetz establishes a legal right for women and children to access protection, support, and counseling services starting January 1, 2032.
- The German federal government has allocated €2.6 billion between 2027 and 2036 to expand shelters and support services, but critics argue the timeline is too slow to address urgent needs.
- In 2023, police data revealed that nearly 400 women were murdered in Germany, with many killed by partners or ex-partners, while 400 women per day experienced domestic violence.
- North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) politicians praised the law as a 'milestone' but highlighted significant gaps, including a lack of sufficient shelter spaces and immediate funding for local initiatives.
- Debate continues over whether the law should also extend protections to male and transgender victims, with some parties criticizing the exclusion of these groups.
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