Femicide in Germany: Challenges and Solutions

Executive Summary

The brief on Germany highlights that the country lacks a legal definition of femicide, with gender-based killings prosecuted under general homicide laws. Between 2019 and 2020, 360 women were killed, 63% by current or former partners. Despite existing domestic violence laws, risk assessments and protection measures are inconsistently applied, and shelters remain underfunded. Only a small percentage of victims had prior contact with police or support services before deaths. This article identifies key gaps, including limited data collection, inadequate inter-agency coordination, and insufficient prevention efforts addressing patriarchal norms. It recommends developing femicide-specific risk tools, improving training for police and legal professionals, expanding protective services, and establishing a national femicide observatory. The policy calls for legislative reform to recognize femicide as a distinct crime and for comprehensive prevention campaigns that challenges harmful gender norms and promote accountability.

Author(s)

Maria Arnis

Author(s)

In Germany, there is currently no legal definition of femicide or the gender-related killing of women.

 

 


 

Interested in joining
our team? Questions
or comments?

Connect with us:  
twitter @femicidewatch

Imprint link icon & 
Privacy Policy link icon

Email us: editors (at)
femicide-watch.org

UNSA Global Network
UNSA Vienna

powered by
enlightenment GmbH

UNSA Vienna

UNSA GN

enlightenment logo