The Bundestag is pushing for legislation to combat violence against women, but a bill from the SPD and Greens faces challenges due to lacking majority support. With elections approaching, the opposition, notably the Union, accuses the government of political maneuvering. Recent statistics highlight an increase in violence against women, prompting calls for better protection and resources. Debates reveal differing strategies, while criticism arises over past government inaction and the adequacy of women’s shelters. The future of the proposed law remains uncertain as the election date nears.
The Bundestag is united in its stance that decisive action is necessary to tackle violence against women. However, a bill proposed by the red-green coalition is unlikely to garner enough support. The opposition, particularly the Union, has accused the government of using this issue for electioneering purposes.
With just two and a half months remaining before the upcoming election, the SPD and the Greens in the Bundestag have pushed for a law aimed at combating violence against women. Women’s Minister Lisa Paus from the Greens has emphasized the urgency of this legislation: ‘This law will ensure that women receive the help they need.’ She believes the bill will ‘significantly improve’ conditions for women and girls. However, since the SPD and the Greens lack a majority, they will need the backing of the opposition to move forward.
According to the German Institute for Human Rights, violence against women is inadequately addressed in Germany.
Debate Led by Female MPs
The debate in the Bundestag, while featuring only female MPs, showcased a shared outrage regarding the alarming rates of violence against women and girls. Despite this consensus, the speakers diverged on the appropriate strategies to combat the issue.
Last week, the federal cabinet approved the Violence Assistance Act, which aims to establish a legal right to protection and support for victims of gender-based and domestic violence starting in 2030. In the interim, the assistance system is set to be expanded, focusing on increasing the number of women’s shelters, protective housing, and counseling services.
This legislative push comes in response to a troubling rise in violent crimes against women. In the previous year, registered sexual offenses saw a 6.2 percent increase compared to 2022, while domestic violence cases rose by 5.6 percent. Tragically, 360 women and girls lost their lives in Germany due to gender-based violence.
Family law attorney Hedayati stresses the importance of investigating the underlying reasons that lead men to become perpetrators.
Criticism of Past Coalition Partners
Minister Paus highlighted the concerning trend of escalating violence, noting the increase in digital, sexual, and partner-related violence. She expressed frustration that it took too long to initiate this law, a process that was only set in motion after the dissolution of the traffic light coalition, during which former Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) failed to prioritize the issue or allocate necessary funding.
Britta Haßelmann, co-leader of the Greens, acknowledged that her party also fell short on this matter during their time in government. The state of women’s shelters in Germany has been ‘inadequate’ for far too long, and she stressed, ‘we have not managed to provide this security so far.’
SPD politician Ariane Fäscher hailed the bill as a ‘great success after decades of struggle,’ asserting that systemic violence against women is a ‘structural problem, not an individual one.’
Two years ago, Johanna K. was tragically murdered, prompting her mother to advocate for increased awareness of violence against women.
Union’s Accusations of Electioneering
The Union has accused the ruling parties of exploiting this issue for electoral gain. ‘You only started caring about this topic after the traffic light coalition ended,’ stated Silvia Breher (CDU) in reference to the SPD and the Greens. She claimed they now wish to ‘pass the buck’ to the Union, adding, ‘If this law fails, it is solely on you.’
CSU politician Dorothee Bär criticized the attempt to blame former Minister Lindner for the delays in passing the law, calling it ‘too cheap.’ She remarked, ‘To suddenly discover women for oneself 79 days before the Bundestag election is really cheap and shameful.’
On this international action day, efforts are being made to shed light on the pervasive issue of violence against women.
AfD’s Controversial Stance
AfD MP Nicole Höchst condemned the proposed law as a ‘mockery of victims of violence,’ attributing the rise in violence against women to ‘uncontrolled and unbridled mass immigration.’ Nicole Bauer from the FDP has advocated for an online registry to quickly locate available spaces in women’s shelters, emphasizing that many women facing violence wish to resist but feel powerless.
Sevim Dagdelen from the BSW criticized the Violence Assistance Act as ‘deeply misogynistic’ and a ‘shabby labeling deception,’ arguing that it would allow men ‘who identify as women’ access to women’s shelters. Left party politician Gesine Lötzsch pointed out the government’s inability to ensure a safe haven for all women, advocating for a 500 million euro program to support women’s shelters. The CDU/CSU, FDP, and Left factions have introduced their own proposals on the matter, showing no support for the government’s plan.
The future of the law remains uncertain, as there are only two weeks of sessions and two attendance days left in the Bundestag before the election on February 23. Currently, the draft is under consideration in the relevant committees.
This topic was reported by tagesschau on December 6, 2024, at 12:00 PM.