Germany's New Violence Protection Act: A Step Forward or Just a Start?

Germany has introduced a new Violence Protection Act, granting women a nationwide legal right to counselling and protection for the first time. The federal government has also pledged €2.6 billion by 2036 to expand infrastructure for women’s shelters and counselling centres. Yet, survivors like Alice Westphal argue that far more needs to be done. Alice Westphal, a member of the Survivors’ Council at S.I.G.N.A.L. e.V., has spoken openly about her own experience. She wishes she had received better treatment after her rape, claiming Germany is 'lagging behind' in supporting survivors. Her concerns are compounded by recent budget cuts, which she fears will barely maintain the current level of services and could lead to the closure of vital counselling centres and shelters.

Westphal has taken action to drive change. She launched the #IAmThatOneInThree campaign, encouraging survivors of sexual and domestic violence to share their stories. The name reflects a stark reality: one in three women in Germany experiences such violence at least once in their lifetime.

Beyond awareness, she advocates for structural reforms. The Survivors’ Council pushes for greater visibility of survivors’ perspectives and changes to political systems addressing violence against women. Westphal also calls for mandatory trauma-sensitive training for police, legal professionals, and healthcare providers to ensure better support for those affected. The new Violence Protection Act marks a significant step forward for women’s rights in Germany. However, the pledged funding may not be enough to prevent service cutbacks. Advocates like Westphal continue to demand urgent action to improve support systems and address the widespread issue of violence against women.