19 out of 20 victims remain silent: domestic violence is rarely reported.
For the first time in 20 years, Germany has new data on everyday violence. The Dunkelfeldstudie LeSuBiA shows that most cases are never reported, with 19 out of 20 victims remaining silent.
The study, presented by the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), focuses on violence in partnerships, sexualized violence, and digital violence. It is based on the experiences of around 15,000 people and reveals that fewer than 10 percent of victims report incidents to the police. According to the findings, violence is far more widespread than official crime statistics suggest.
A recent court case in München highlights the issue. A 27-year-old man admitted to drugging and raping his girlfriend and filming the assaults. Prosecutors said it was “pure chance” the woman survived. The accused faces charges including attempted murder, dangerous bodily harm, and particularly serious rape. The case recalls the French trial of جيزيل بيليكوت, who made her abuse public to raise awareness.
According to the study, one in nine women and almost one in twenty men have been physically attacked by a partner or ex-partner. Women are far more likely to experience sexual harassment, and almost half of all people have encountered such behavior at least once in their lives. Women also suffer more injuries, feel more threatened, and report greater fear during violent incidents.
Federal Family Minister كارين برين said violence is not a fringe problem but affects millions. She stressed that silence is driven by fear and limited access to help, not by personal weakness. BKA President هولغر مونش called the study a basis for improving protection and support services and urged more victims to come forward.
Federal Interior Minister ألكسندر دوبريندت announced stronger measures, including the use of the Spanish model of electronic ankle bracelets in domestic violence cases. The government also plans to punish the use of date rape drugs like a weapon and expand prevention programs for young people.
Victim support organizations, including Frauenhauskoordinierung (FHK), Deutscher Juristinnenbund (djb), and the women’s group of the Gewerkschaft der Polizei (GdP), are urging Chancellor فريدريش ميرتس to make violence prevention a top priority. FHK managing director سيبيله شرايبر warned that safety at home must become a central political goal, noting that victims still struggle to find effective support to escape abusive relationships.