Almost 54,000 women were victims of sexual crimes in Germany in 2024. Some of these crimes were committed with the help of chemically controlled drugs, which make victims defenseless before their attackers. A new app will also allow you to secretly record cases of domestic violence.
The resort to chemical submission drugs in cases of rape or sexual assault will be handled in Germany, in court proceedings, like using a gun.
The German government’s proposal comes as part of a broader set of measures to guarantee justice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, the country’s Interior Minister, said this Friday at a press conference. Alexander Dobrindt.
“We intend to classify chemically controlled drugs, which are increasingly used as common tool in crimeslike weapons. This creates the basis for significantly more rigorous judicial processes,” explained Dobrindt, quoted by the agency.
“We are committed to ensure clear consequences and consistent application of the law: women should feel safe and be able to move freely anywhere,” said Dobrindt.
Almost 54 thousand women and girls were victims of sexual crimes in Germany in 2024, an increase of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Of these, around 36% were victims of rape and sexual assault.
Last month, a parliamentary debate on a proposed law providing for a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for the use of chemical submission drugs in sexual assaults, was postponed, Reuters notes.
As part of its commitment to protecting women, the German government has also increased its focus on domestic violencewhich mainly affects women, said Dobrindt.
Last year, the police recorded a record number of almost 266 thousand victims of domestic violence, an increase of 3.8% compared to the previous year. However, the head of the federal criminal police, Holger Muenchhighlights that there is a high number of unreported cases.
“We must work to ensure that more victims find courage to report crimes, in order to improve protection and support for victims”, said Muench at the same press conference.
Although there is no uniform federal definition of femicide in Germany, almost 1,200 women were registered as homicide victims or attempted murder in 2024 — a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
This week, the German government approved a bill that allows the use of electronic bracelets to monitor perpetrators of domestic violence. Victims can also request a separate device that warns them when their attacker is nearby.
Dobrindt also added that the Government has secured funding for the national implementation of an application which allows victims of domestic violence document secretly episodes of mistreatment — to be later used in court.
