In Germany the Orange Days campaign is an initiative aimed at raising awareness and taking against against violence against women. It begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25th and ends of International Human Rights Day on December 10th.
This article was originally published in August.
A total of 256,942 people were officially recognized as victims of domestic violence in Germany last year, according to data released by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
Most domestic violence cases occur within intimate partnerships or ex-partnerships. The BKA notes that there were around 171,100 cases involving current or former partners in 2024, up nearly two percent from 2023.
Over the past five years, domestic violence in Germany has increased by roughly 14 percent.
More than half the crimes recorded were simple or aggravated assault, according to reporting in Welt am Sonntag. In around a quarter of cases, threats, coercion, or stalking were involved. Just over four percent of those affected were victims of sexual offences.
A Ministry of Family Affairs spokesperson told the Welt am Sonntag that rising violence could be linked to a rise in violent tendencies “in light of social crises and personal challenges”, alongside greater willingness to report incidents.
Women remain disproportionately affected, with about 70.5 percent of victims identified as female. The new report also underlines the extreme vulnerability of women with disabilities, who suffer physical violence nearly twice as often as those without disabilities.
Information for victims seeking help
For those affected by domestic violence, knowing where and how to access help can be lifesaving.
Immediate danger?
If you are in imminent danger, call the emergency police number 110 or visit the nearest police station without delay.
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The police have legal powers to remove offenders from homes or impose on-the-spot restraining orders.
Helplines and counselling services
Germany’s nationwide, confidential Women’s Emergency Helpline (Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen) is available 24/7 at 08000 116 016, offering free advice in multiple languages. The helpline offers crisis counselling, safety planning, and directs victims to local support services.
Online counselling is also available at www.hilfetelefon.de.
Shelters and local support
Women’s shelters can provide secure accommodation, psychological support, legal advice, and assistance in rebuilding lives.
The database at frauenhauskoordinierung.de lists secure shelters throughout Germany.
Legal Protection
Victims of domestic abuse can request protection orders under the German Act on Protection against Violence, which can impose contact bans or oblige the perpetrator to leave the shared home.
More information is available in the Greater Protection in Cases of Domestic Violence brochure (in English).
How to signal for help
Women who cannot speak freely or are monitored can use the discreet “Signal for Help” hand gesture – placing the thumb in the palm and closing the fingers over it – especially during video calls or meetings, silently conveying that they need help.
Building a case against your abuser
If you want to bring criminal charges against your abuser, any evidence you can gather will support your case. Where possible, victims of domestic abuse are advised to document incidents – including dates, times, the type of abuse, and possible witnesses.
Clothing can also provide evidence of sexual or physical abuse. In addition, many hospitals and outpatient clinics can provide forensic documentation of injuries confidentially, and even anonymously.
More information on how to file a criminal complaint can be found here.
Further resources
Early action – whether through helplines, shelters, legal measures, or signalling discreetly for assistance – can save lives and help break cycles of violence.
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For more detailed information, victims and allies should consult trusted organizations.
Weisser Ring e.V. (weisser-ring.de / 116 006) operates about 400 branches across Germany and is the only nationwide victim support organisation offering psychosocial support, legal help, accompaniment to court, and assistance with official matters.
The Berlin Initiative against Violence towards Women (BIG e.V.) is a Berlin-based non-profit that provides victim assistance.
DaMigra e.V. (damigra.de) focuses on women with migration or refugee experience with a special emphasis on anti-racist feminism and equal rights. The organisation advocates for protection from violence for all women, pointing out gaps in legislation that leave marginalized groups vulnerable.
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