New Dark Field Studies Reveal Widespread Domestic Violence and Psychological Abuse in Germany

Recent comprehensive dark field studies released by the German federal ministries reveal alarming levels of violence in partnerships and everyday life across Germany. According to the studies, nearly half of women (48%) and over 40% of men have encountered psychological violence at least once, while about 16% of respondents report physical violence from partners or others.

Sexual assault remains a significant concern, with 17.8% of women and 4.8% of men having experienced such abuse. Sexual harassment affects over half of women (56.7%) and nearly a quarter of men (23.5%), highlighting the pervasive nature of gender-based violence. Specifically, 18% of women report lifetime sexual assault, and 1.5% of women have been raped in the last five years, illuminating the severity and ongoing nature of the problem.

Despite these high prevalence rates, the studies uncover severe underreporting: less than 10% of all violence cases reach the police, with rates plummeting below 5% for domestic violence and sexual assault. Victims commonly cite shame, fear, and lack of trust in law enforcement as barriers to reporting. Women with migration backgrounds are disproportionately affected, partly due to age demographics, a pattern also seen in individuals from queer communities.

In response, Interior Minister Dobrindt announced several protective measures, including developing a “stealth app” for victims to discreetly document violence and introducing tougher penalties for crimes involving knockout drops. Authorities also plan to implement electronic ankle monitors for offenders. These actions align with Germany’s commitments under the Istanbul Convention to strengthen victim protection, prevention efforts, and legal equality.

The findings, presented jointly by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, the Interior Ministry, and the Federal Criminal Police Office, underscore a "massive violence problem," prompting urgent calls for enhanced governmental and societal action. Education Minister Prien emphasized the study’s role in fulfilling legal obligations and raising awareness of underrecognized abuse dimensions, notably psychological violence and sexual crimes.

These dark field studies reveal a stark gap between real instances of violence and their recognition by the justice system, spotlighting an urgent need for expanded victim support and preventive policies in Germany.