Shocking increase in domestic violence: police and ministry react!

Shocking increase in domestic violence: police and ministry react!

Reporting on domestic violence is reaching alarming levels in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Ministry of Equality announced today that 100,000 euros will be made available for additional staff positions in intervention centers against domestic violence and stalking in Schwerin and Rostock. This financial support aims to create targeted counseling services for children again. Michaela Kohnert, the head of the Schwerin intervention center, reports a worrying increase in cases of domestic violence.

In 2024, 1,116 cases of domestic violence were processed in Schwerin. This represents a significant increase, which is also reflected in the total number of registered incidents in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: The number rose from 4,020 in 2020 to 5,005 in 2024. According to Nancy Schönenberg from the State Criminal Police Office (LKA), a further increase is also expected for the current year. The people affected are mostly women, with a particular focus on the age group between 30 and 40 years.

Domestic violence in everyday life

Domestic violence includes various forms of abuse, be it physical, sexual, psychological or economic attacks within the family or between partners. This definition is based on the Istanbul Convention, which aims to achieve basic standards for the protection of victims. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, celebrated annually on November 25th, draws attention to this issue, which is often only recorded in registered cases.

One of the biggest problems is the high level of unreported information, which often does not accurately reflect the actual expansion of violence. In 2023, around 181,000 of the 256,000 documented victims of domestic violence in Germany were women. In the case of intimate partner violence, 79 percent of all victims were female.

Police and intervention centers in focus

The role of the police is crucial: After a police operation in the event of domestic violence, counselors from the intervention centers are usually called in to ensure support and stabilization for those affected. This shows that the emotional and time-consuming burden on police officers can increase, as processing these sensitive cases requires extensive resources.

Important measures to avert danger were regulated by the HG decree of April 2022, which, among other things, enables evictions and entry bans. These are intended to help increase the safety of people at risk and defuse acute situations.

Despite the challenges, the work of the intervention centers is essential: they contact those affected, offer help and ensure a contact point in crisis situations. With additional funds from the ministry, the aim is now to further expand the advisory services and to tailor them specifically to the needs of children.

In summary, it can be said that combating domestic violence in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is becoming more important than ever. Reports of rising case numbers and urgently needed resources show that there is still much work to be done to help victims of domestic violence. Society is required to provide information about the options for reporting and safe retreats, as well as to find ways to shed light on the dark field of domestic violence.

For further information, the “Violence Against Women” helpline on 116 016 is an important contact point. Around 86,700 contacts were recorded here in 2023, which make it clear how great the need for support is.

Developments in this topic continue to be an important social concern that shows concern and a need for action.

Further details about the strategic initiatives can be found on the website Federal Ministry for Family as well as in the data overview on the topic of violence against women Statista and in the reporting of the Northern Courier.