Saxony approves Violence Assistance Act in the Bundesrat

Saxony has approved the Violence Assistance Act in the Bundesrat. Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) spoke of a milestone in the fight against violence against women and girls. "Every third woman is a victim of physical or sexualized violence at least once in her life. The number of assaults has been rising dramatically for years," emphasized the Minister. Domestic and sexualized violence takes place every day - regardless of the age, origin or social status of those affected.

Länder obliged to provide protection and counselling services

The law is intended to oblige the federal states to create sufficient protection and counselling services in future. They will receive a total of 2.6 billion euros from the federal government between 2027 and 2036. The legal entitlement to free protection and advice is to take effect from January 1, 2032. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus (Greens) described the
approval of the state chamber as a "historic moment". The federal states criticized the fact that the federal government only promised financial aid until 2036.

A right to help, but no right to a place in a women's shelter

Until now, those affected could only hope for help. Now, a binding right to care has been established, which can also be enforced in administrative courts. In addition, affected women will no longer have to bear the costs of accommodation in a shelter in future. The legal entitlement provides for a right to help, but not a right to a place in a women's shelter. At the same time, this means that in future no facility will be forced to take in a particular woman.

Violence against women has been on the rise for years

Threats and beatings occur "in all places and from all walks of life", said Paus. According to the latest police report on gender-specific violence, a woman was killed by a man almost every day in 2023 because she is a woman. 400 women a day were victims of intimate partner violence. "Our 350 women's shelters and 100 shelters nationwide are not enough," explained Paus. In 2022, 15,000 people seeking protection had to be turned away: "So there really is an urgent need for action."

Law comes into force in stages

After its promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette, the law will come into force in stages. The obligation for the federal states to ensure sufficient protection and counseling services is to take effect from 2027, with the legal entitlement coming into force five years later. The first part of the federal aid for the federal states will also be paid from 2027. In 2030, the federal states are then to submit a status report to the federal government on the implementation of their obligation. Only then will the payment of the remaining funds take effect.