Nearly 257,000 victims: Domestic violence will reach an all-time high in 2024, according to report

According to a report in "Welt am Sonntag," the number of victims of domestic violence in Germany reached a new high last year, with 256,942 victims recorded. Statistically speaking, this means that approximately every two minutes, someone in Germany is abused by their partner, ex-partner, or close relative, according to information from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) obtained by the newspaper.

The increase compared to the previous year was approximately 3.7 percent. According to BKA figures, domestic violence had increased by almost 14 percent over the past five years.

As the BKA further stated in response to a query from "Welt am Sonntag," the agency registered 171,069 victims of domestic violence last year, representing an increase of 1.9 percent. In domestic violence, the BKA registered 94,873 victims—a 7.3 percent increase over the previous year. Approximately 73 percent of victims of domestic violence are women.

In response to an inquiry, the Ministry of Family Affairs stated that the increase in domestic violence could be due to an increased propensity to violence "in light of social crises and personal challenges." However, it is also possible that there is an increased willingness to report the crime.

With the Violence Assistance Act passed in February, a cross-party milestone has been reached in the fight against domestic violence. Starting in 2032, women affected by violence will have a legal right to counseling and protection, including a mandatory place in a women's shelter.