Partners or relatives have caused the deaths of 33 women since 2020 - Partners or relatives have been responsible for the deaths of 33 women since 2020
In the heart of Germany, the city of Berlin has been grappling with an unfortunate surge in domestic violence, particularly against women, over the past few years. According to available data, since 2020, this trend has been mirrored across Europe, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, specific figures regarding the number of women killed by their partners, ex-partners, or relatives in Berlin since 2020 remain elusive. While the city has not seen a surge in homicides specifically linked to intimate partner violence, as reported in other European cities, the absence of detailed data does not necessarily mean that the issue is not prevalent.
One in five women across Europe reported experiencing domestic violence during the pandemic, according to a 2024 EU-wide survey. This suggests that Berlin may have seen a similar increase, possibly linked to pandemic-related factors such as lockdowns, economic stress, and social isolation.
In response to this alarming trend, both the EU and Germany have taken steps to combat violence against women and domestic violence. New laws and directives have been introduced, including workplace protections and paid leave for victims, effective from 2025.
The police and institutional response, including the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan and related German measures, have been focused on improving protections and support for victims. However, specific effectiveness or changes in Berlin's police response since 2020 are not detailed in the available search results.
In a notable development, over the past five years, 33 women have been killed by their husbands, partners, ex-partners, or male relatives in Berlin. These cases, reported to the police and prosecution, have prompted a response from the Senate and the police, following a query from the Greens, a political party in Berlin.
While the response did not specify the exact number of incidents where previous domestic violence indications were reported, it is clear that several of these cases had previous signs of domestic violence. The Greens' query also highlighted the need for more transparency and accountability in addressing this critical issue.
As the city moves forward, it is crucial that Berlin continues to prioritise the safety and well-being of its women, and that efforts are made to gather and disseminate more accurate and detailed data on domestic violence incidents and the police's response to them. This will enable a more targeted and effective approach to combating this insidious issue.
- The city of Berlin has undertaken an employment policy, as part of its community policy, to offer workplace protections and paid leave for victims of domestic violence, effective from 2025.
- The surge in domestic violence against women in Berlin may be connected to pandemic-related factors such as lockdowns, economic stress, and social isolation, as suggested by a 2024 EU-wide survey.
- The strategy to combat violence against women and domestic violence in both the EU and Germany includes a focus on general-news coverage and education about health-and-wellness, women's health, and lifestyle to raise awareness and promote a culture of respect.
- Crime-and-justice initiatives in Berlin have been implemented to address the issue of domestic violence, with relationships and family-dynamics considerably impacted by its prevalence, requiring ongoing efforts to reestablish trust and safety within communities.
