What is violence against women?

There are many forms of violence against women: physical violence, sexual violence and sexual harassment, psychological violence and structural violence, which restrict personal freedoms and life opportunities. Here you will find an overview providing background information on various forms of violence.

Where can I find help?

The ‘Violence against Women’ helpline is a nationwide support service for women who have experienced or are currently experiencing violence. People of all nationalities, with or without disabilities, can receive support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 116 016 or via the online advice service. Family members, friends and professionals can also receive advice anonymously and free of charge. 

In addition, women affected by violence can find contact details for women’s refuges on the website of the association Frauenhauskoordinierung e.V.  The organisation is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and provides women’s refuges and specialist counselling centres across Germany with professional guidance and support for their political work.

What is the Federal Government doing to protect women from violence?

Every woman has the right to a life free from violence and threats. This applies in public spaces, within one’s own four walls and also in the digital world.

The Federal Government is therefore working resolutely to combat violence, improve systems and provide those affected with the support they need.

Using electronic tagging to combat domestic violence

The Federal Government has introduced new legislation to protect people from violence. This legislation establishes the use of electronic tagging on a nationwide basis for the first time and strengthens protection against domestic violence. Mandatory anti-violence training is intended to break the cycle of violence. 

Psychosocial support for those affected during legal proceedings 

Victims of serious crimes should find it easier to access professional support during court proceedings. To this end, the Federal Government has introduced a draft bill to strengthen the rights of injured people.

Stricter penalties for the use of knockout drops in sexual assault and robbery cases  

Anyone who uses ‘K.O.’ or ‘knockout’ drops to commit rape or robbery will, in the future, face a prison sentence of at least five years. The relevant draft bill was adopted by the Federal Government. 

Protection against violence in the digital space 

Hate, deepfakes and online abuse affect women in particular. The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection has presented a digital law on protection against violence. The aim is to make it easier in future for those affected to take action against online infringements of their personal rights and, for example, to have accounts blocked by court order if they are found to be seriously infringing their rights. It is also intended to close loopholes in the law regarding criminal liability for pornographic deepfakes and other forms of image-based sexualised violence. A further aim is to make the production and distribution of pornographic deepfakes a criminal offence in future.

Greater protection for women in emergency situations

The Violence Assistance Act (GewHG), which was passed in February 2025, establishes a legal right, with effect from 2032, to free protection and counselling for women affected by violence and their children in Germany. It requires the federal states and local authorities to expand women’s refuges and counselling centres in line with demand, in order to ensure consistent support across the country, regardless of where people live. Between 2027 and 2036, the Federal Government will provide the federal states with 2.6 billion euros to fund the expansion.