Rising Domestic Violence Fatalities Alarm Germany in 2025

Reports reveal an alarming increase in domestic violence fatalities in Germany during 2025. According to the Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) report highlighted by Bild, 187,128 women and girls were victims of domestic violence in 2023—a 3.5% rise from the previous year—with women aged 30 to 60 years constituting 54.9% of the victims. The number of suspects also rose by 3.2% to 152,812. Recent cases highlight the severity of the issue, including the murder of a 40-year-old mother of four in Niedersachsen, stabbed by her ex-partner, as well as a pregnant woman killed by her partner, who received a 13-year prison sentence.

Additionally, the case of Jörg H., convicted of murdering Melanie N. with a crossbow, underscores the fatal outcomes of violent disputes. The 59-year-old perpetrator traveled 484 kilometers armed with two crossbows to commit the premeditated killing, motivated by inheritance conflicts, and was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole after 15 years.

These cases, ranging from prolonged abuse to sudden lethal attacks, highlight the persistent and escalating threat women face from domestic violence in Germany. The recent surge in violent and fatal incidents strengthens calls for enhanced societal awareness, victim protection, and legal actions to combat domestic violence effectively.