New German Study Reveals Complex Patterns and Prevention Needs in Femicides

A comprehensive new study analyzing over 50,000 pages of case files has shed light on the nature, causes, and prevention strategies surrounding femicides in Germany. The research, presented on November 20, 2025, focused on data from five federal states spanning the year 2017 and identified 197 killings of women, of which 133 were classified as femicides. Narrowing the definition further to cases involving sexist motives resulted in 74 relevant incidents.

Led by criminologist Jörg Kinzig, the study reveals that femicides predominantly occur in the context of failed relationships, often involving men reacting with violence to perceptions of infidelity or separation. While "honor killings" exist, they constitute a small minority within the overall cases. The wide variety of femicide circumstances noted in the research indicates no single pattern governs these murders, which also include those targeting family members such as mothers or grandmothers.

Kinzig emphasized the critical role of prevention and victim support, advocating for increased availability of women's shelters and reforms in custody laws that currently risk escalating domestic violence by allowing abusers ongoing access to their children. He also called for the establishment of a femicide monitoring system to enhance data collection and enable more targeted preventative measures.

The issue was also spotlighted in a segment by WDR's "Aktuelle Stunde," aimed at raising public awareness and stimulating dialogue on gender-based violence. The coverage underlined the urgent need for increased protective measures and societal change to address the root causes of femicide in Germany.

According to the study, changing societal attitudes towards domestic violence and bolstering support structures for survivors are essential steps to reducing these tragic killings. The findings stress that comprehensive, multifaceted approaches are necessary to effectively combat femicides and safeguard women at risk.