Domestic violence refers to the cases in which a family member, acquaintance or other person abuses you in a physical, sexual or emotional manner. Domestic violence usually takes place within homes, but can happen in any other place as well. Many people think of domestic violence as physical violence, i.e. sexual abuse or beatings. But domestic violence has various forms: being insulted, cursed at, threatened, or controlled is also domestic violence. And so is stalking, i.e. being followed and monitored by someone.
Any type of violence is punishable in Germany, i.e. the police are obliged to react when notified about domestic violence by you or a witness.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, remember that you are not alone. Studies show, for example, that one in four women in Germany experience domestic violence. For many victims, it is difficult to share their experiences with the police or at a counselling centre. Many victims are ashamed and hope that the situation will change, that the violent person eventually calms down and stop his abusive behaviour. In most cases, however, the severity and frequency of the violence increase with time, and the gaps between the individual outbreaks of violence become shorter and shorter.
There are numerous contact points for victims of domestic violence in Germany - you must not shy away from reaching out for help.
If you are in immediate danger, you can call the police at 110. The police will ask your name, address and inquire about the problem and then send some police officers to protect you (and your children). Unfortunately, the staff at the police's emergency call centre often speak only German. You can find out more about police in Germany in our chapter “Police”. If you do not speak German, call the help centre of "Gewalt gegen Frauen" ("Violence against women") organisation instead. Their staff are available around the clock and speak many languages, including English, Arabic, French, Farsi/Dari, Kurdish (Kurmanchi) and Turkish. You can reach their team at 08000 116 016.
You can also go to the police personally and file a complaint. If you need company, you can ask a friend or lawyer to join you. You can also take an interpreter with you -otherwise, the police will find you one. It is best to have your possible injuries checked and attested by a doctor right after you have been subject to violence so that you have proof for your claims. Attaching photos to your complaint can substantially help your case.
There are some drop-in centres responsible for investigating and certifying victims' injuries anonymously and free of charge. Ask the staff at the Opfervereins WEISSER RING to recommend you a contact point in your area. The staff of this association are available every day from 7:00 to 10:00 at 116 006. They mainly speak German and English and can offer you advice cost-free and anonymously.
If you do not wish to file a complaint or are still in doubt or need someone to talk to, contact a counselling centre. The helpline "Gewalt gegen Frauen" ("Violence against women") can offer you anonymous and cost-free advice in many languages 24 hours a day. You can reach their staff at 08000 116 016. At www.frauen-gegen-gewalt.de and frauenhauskoordinierung.de, you can also search for a counselling centre in your own language and district of residence.
If you no longer feel safe at your home or accommodation centre, you can also go to a so-called "Women's Shelter". A women's shelter is a house where women who are victims of violence (and their children) can find a refuge. They can live there until their problem is resolved. The addresses of these shelters are not openly accessible, which means nobody can find you there. Unfortunately, however, there are not many women's shelters available, and sometimes there is no free space- but the staff there will find a way to help you. You can find a women's shelter in your area online. Or you can ask the helpline of "Gewalt gegen Frauen" to suggest you one. The staff of the helpline speak many languages and are available round-the-clock. You can reach them at 08000 116 016.