Berlin has expanded its network of support for women experiencing domestic violence with the opening of a new shelter, bringing the total number of such facilities in the German capital to nine. The shelter, which prioritizes accommodation for women with children, reflects a growing recognition of the complex needs of families fleeing abusive situations.
The opening, announced by Senator for Social Affairs and Equality Cansel Kiziltepe, is directly linked to the implementation of the new Violence Protection Act, which guarantees an independent legal right to protection and counseling for those affected. , is the date the law will fully come into effect, establishing a landmark shift in the provision of support services.
According to Senator Kiziltepe, children comprise more than half of the residents currently utilizing Berlin’s women’s shelters. This demographic reality underscores the importance of facilities specifically designed to cater to the needs of families. The new shelter aims to contribute to the city’s goal of providing a total of 390 family places, offering safe and free accommodation to women and their children escaping violence.
Currently, Berlin offers 239 such family places, with plans to create additional capacity throughout the year, according to the Senate Social Administration. This expansion is a response to increasing demand, a trend mirrored across Germany. Recent data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) indicates that almost
The rise in reported cases, while concerning, is also attributed to increased awareness and reporting mechanisms. However, experts caution that the official figures likely represent only a fraction of the true extent of domestic violence, estimating that less than
The situation is particularly acute around holidays, such as Christmas, when social workers report a noticeable increase in demand for shelter spaces. Cramped living conditions, increased alcohol consumption, and the disruption of routine – with schools and workplaces closed – are cited as contributing factors that can exacerbate existing tensions and trigger violent incidents.
Navina Reichardt, a social worker at a women’s shelter in Bonn, described the difficulties faced by shelters in meeting the growing need. We have to turn away women and families almost every day,
she told Deutsche Welle. Not because they don’t need protection, but because we don’t have any more space.
The lack of available space often forces shelters to refer women to other cities or states, a situation Reichardt describes as sending the women back into violence.
The new Violence Protection Act, which establishes the legal right to protection and counseling, is a significant step towards addressing these systemic challenges. The law aims to ensure that women have access to the support they need, regardless of their location or circumstances. Berlin’s commitment to implementing the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, further underscores this commitment.
The women’s shelter Cocon in Berlin offers a range of services, including protection, advice, and support, available to and to via an emergency number (
However, Cocon, like many shelters, has limitations. It is not accessible to women with disabilities and does not offer medical or mental health care. Residents are expected to maintain their own daily routines and adhere to rules prohibiting alcohol and drug use. Despite these limitations, the shelter provides a crucial lifeline for women escaping violence, offering a safe haven and a pathway to rebuilding their lives.
The expansion of shelter capacity in Berlin and the implementation of the Violence Protection Act represent a positive development in the fight against domestic violence. However, the ongoing challenges – including underreporting, limited resources, and the cyclical nature of violence – require sustained attention and investment. The situation in Germany reflects a broader global trend, with domestic violence remaining a pervasive and often hidden problem affecting millions of women and children worldwide.
