Germany moves to toughen laws after hundreds of women killed by partners
Germany's governing coalition is pushing for stricter penalties in cases of femicide. The move comes after alarming figures showed hundreds of women and girls killed in 2023 and 2024. Both the SPD and the Union are proposing legal changes to address gender-based violence more harshly.
In 2023, 193 women and girls died due to gender-based violence, mostly at the hands of partners or ex-partners. Provisional data for 2024 recorded 141 such deaths by the end of November, while the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) reported 146 killings under life-protection laws for the full year—a slight decline, though final numbers may still adjust. Overall, 308 women and girls were killed in 2024, with 191 of them murdered by someone close to them.
The SPD wants misogyny and patriarchal attitudes recognised as aggravating factors in murder cases. Meanwhile, the Union proposes adding 'exploitation of physical superiority' as another aggravating circumstance to protect vulnerable groups. Both parties are working toward a joint solution before the year ends.
The German Judges' Association has weighed in, stressing that tougher penalties alone won't solve the problem. They call for stronger preventive measures and better law enforcement to tackle the root causes of such violence.
The coalition's proposals aim to tighten legal consequences for femicides. If passed, the changes would mark a shift in how courts handle gender-based killings. Final decisions on the new measures are expected by the end of the year.
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