Last year, 308 women and girls were violently murdered in Germany, 191 of them by partners, ex-partners or other family members. The figures were presented in Berlin by the Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) and President of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), Holger Münch, and is based on police crime statistics.
In 2024, the number of women and girls who die as a result of acts of violence will decrease by 32 compared to the previous year (340). A total of 859 women and girls were victims of attempts and murders in total (2023: 938). In 68 percent of victims (587), the suspect was a partner, ex-partner, family member, friend or someone they knew.
The number of women killed in violent crimes in 2023 was previously publicly stated to be 360. In the current federal situation report, the new number given is 340 people. The reason is a new recording method.
Increased sexual crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence
In contrast to the decline in homicide rates, there is an increase in the number of registered victims for all other crimes against women, as can be seen from the federal situation report “Gender-specific crimes against women 2024”:
- 53,451 women were victims of sexual crimes (+2.1 percent), almost half of the victims were under 18 years old
- 187,128 women became victims of domestic violence (+3.5)
- 18,224 women were victims of digital violence, such as coercion, threats or stalking (+6)
- 593 women became victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation (+0.3)
The number of suspects has also increased across the region, and in some cases there has been a significant increase. These are only known or reported cases. The report states that there are many cases that go unreported, especially in cases of domestic and digital violence.
Display behavior can also be a factor
An increase in numbers is possible, but it does not mean that there is an actual increase in cases. This can also be attributed to the fact that crimes are reported more frequently.
Based on the situation report, in all case groups there were many suspects who came from previous or current relationships. Violence against women continues to increase significantly compared to violent crime overall.
Specific evaluation of domestic violence
Dobrindt, Prien and Münch also presented a special evaluation (federal situation report) on the topic of domestic violence. This includes violence against partners or former partners and violence within the family, including against extended family members. There were a total of 286 domestic violence related deaths last year – 95 of them men, 191 women. According to the situation report, 132 women and 24 men were killed by their partners or former partners.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251121-930-321070/1
