Report on Domestic Violence Across Europe: A Barrier to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

This report synthesizes recent data on domestic violence from several European nations, analyzing the trends and governmental responses through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings indicate that escalating domestic and gender-based violence presents a significant obstacle to achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Germany: A Critical Failure in Meeting SDG 5 and SDG 16 Targets

Germany is facing a severe challenge in protecting its population from domestic violence, directly undermining progress towards key sustainable development targets.

Key Statistics and SDG Implications

• Record High Cases: A new record of 256,942 registered cases of domestic violence was set in 2024, marking a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This escalating trend signifies a failure to meet SDG 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.
• Femicide Rates: The rate of femicide, with a woman killed almost daily, highlights a profound crisis in achieving SDG 5.2 (eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls).
• Vulnerable Populations: In 2023, 69% of women seeking refuge in shelters were not born in Germany, pointing to intersecting challenges related to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and the particular vulnerabilities of migrant women.

Governmental Response and Institutional Strengthening

In response, Germany is taking steps to strengthen its institutional frameworks, aligning with the objectives of SDG 16.

1. Legislative Action: A new law mandates federal states to provide nationwide protection and counselling services, backed by €2.6 billion in federal funding between 2027 and 2036.
2. Legal Entitlement: A legal right to free protection and counselling is planned to take effect from 2032, aiming to build more inclusive and effective institutions.
3. Preventative Measures: The proposed nationwide use of ankle bracelets for offenders, based on the Spanish model, is being considered as a tool to enforce justice and prevent further violence.

Pan-European Analysis: A Continent-Wide Challenge to the 2030 Agenda

Data from other European countries reveals a widespread and multifaceted problem that requires urgent and coordinated action to meet SDG commitments.

Italy

The situation in Italy underscores the importance of public awareness and the critical need for robust data in monitoring SDG 16. The anti-violence hotline received 48,000 contacts in the first nine months of the year, a 57% increase, spurred by public outrage over a high-profile femicide. However, the absence of official police data on intimate partner violence hinders the ability to measure progress towards SDG 5.2 effectively.

Portugal

Portugal demonstrates increased law enforcement activity, a key component of SDG 16. In 2024, police arrested 1,281 individuals for domestic violence, a 32% increase. The registration of 15,781 complaints indicates a high level of reporting, but also reveals the significant scale of the challenge to ensuring peace and safety within the private sphere.

Spain

Spain offers a model of long-term progress. A one-third reduction in femicides since 2003, following the implementation of stricter laws and comprehensive support services, shows that sustained political will can advance SDG 5 and SDG 16. Despite this success, a continuous rise in reported sexual offences indicates that challenges to gender equality and personal security persist.

Romania

In the first six months of 2025, Romanian police intervened in over 61,000 cases of domestic violence. While official figures suggest a 19% decrease in related offences, the sheer volume of interventions, with “beatings and other violence” accounting for 56% of cases, illustrates the profound and violent reality that obstructs the achievement of SDG 16.1.

Poland

Poland has introduced legislative measures targeting perpetrator behaviour, including mandatory psychological programs and firearm confiscation, which are positive steps toward building stronger, more preventative justice systems under SDG 16. However, study data indicating that 60% of women have experienced domestic violence and that significant portions of the male population do not recognize marital rape as a crime reveals deep-seated cultural barriers to achieving SDG 5.

England and Wales

The data from England and Wales highlights the critical intersection of domestic violence with economic stability, linking the issue directly to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• Prevalence: An estimated 2.3 million people experienced domestic abuse in the year to March 2024.
• Economic Coercion: A 2024 report found that economic factors are a major barrier to safety. Survivors reported relying on food banks (78.8%), and 62.5% were economically unable to leave the perpetrator, demonstrating how violence perpetuates poverty and inequality, undermining the core principles of the SDGs.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on domestic violence across several European countries touches upon multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary goals addressed are those concerning gender equality, peace and justice, health, and poverty.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text is centered on violence against women, including domestic violence and femicide. It highlights the disproportionate number of female victims and discusses societal issues like the framing of femicide as “relationship drama,” which points to underlying gender inequality and harmful social norms. The article mentions that in Germany, a woman is killed almost every day, mostly by a partner or ex-partner, and that in England and Wales, 1.6 million women experienced domestic violence compared to 712,000 men.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article extensively discusses the role of justice systems and government institutions in addressing domestic violence. It details police statistics, arrests, new laws, and protection measures. For example, it mentions Germany’s plan for a nationwide regulation on ankle bracelets for offenders and a new law obliging states to provide protection and counselling services. It also covers police arrests in Portugal, protection orders in Spain, and new legal measures in Poland, all of which relate to strengthening institutions and ensuring access to justice for victims.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  Domestic violence has severe consequences for the physical and mental health of victims. The article implicitly addresses this by discussing femicide (premature death) and explicitly by mentioning support systems. Germany’s plan to establish nationwide counselling services and Poland’s introduction of psychological and therapeutic programs for perpetrators are direct measures aimed at promoting mental health and well-being.

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  The article establishes a clear link between domestic violence and economic vulnerability. The section on England and Wales, citing the Women’s Aid report, states that a significant percentage of survivors rely on food banks (78.8%) and are “economically unable to leave the perpetrator” (62.5%). This demonstrates how domestic abuse can trap individuals, particularly women, in a cycle of poverty.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

   This target is central to the entire article. The statistics on domestic violence cases in Germany (256,942), Portugal (15,781 complaints), and Romania (61,431 cases), as well as the high number of femicides in Germany and the discussion around the murder of Giulia Cecchettin in Italy, directly relate to the goal of eliminating violence against women.

2. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The article’s focus on rising numbers of domestic violence victims and femicides in Germany, and the reporting of violence statistics from Portugal, Spain, and Romania, directly corresponds to this target. The data on femicides, such as “a woman is killed almost every day” in Germany, is a direct measure related to reducing death rates from violence.

3. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article highlights efforts in various countries to strengthen legal frameworks and access to justice. This includes Germany’s new law for nationwide protection and counselling services, Poland’s law introducing therapeutic programs for perpetrators and allowing for the confiscation of firearms, and the use of protection orders in Spain. These are all institutional measures aimed at promoting the rule of law and providing justice for victims.

4. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

   The provision of support services for victims is a key theme. Germany’s plan to fund nationwide counselling services with 2.6 billion euros and Poland’s introduction of “psychological and therapeutic programmes” are concrete actions that align with promoting mental health and well-being for those affected by violence.

5. Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty.

   The connection made in the England and Wales section directly links to this target. The finding that 62.5% of victims were “economically unable to leave the perpetrator” and that 79.8% did not have enough money for necessities shows that domestic violence is a significant barrier to economic security and contributes to poverty.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains numerous quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Indicators for Targets 5.2 and 16.1 (Eliminating Violence and Reducing Death Rates):

  • Number of registered cases of domestic violence: The article provides figures for Germany (256,942), Portugal (15,781 complaints), and Romania (61,431 cases). Tracking these numbers over time is a direct indicator of prevalence.
  • Number of femicides: The article notes that in Germany, “a woman is killed almost every day,” which is a key indicator of the most extreme form of gender-based violence.
  • Number of calls to anti-violence hotlines: Italy’s hotline receiving 48,000 calls is an indicator of both the scale of the problem and the willingness of victims to seek help.
  • Number of arrests for domestic violence: Portugal’s police arresting 1,281 people is an indicator of law enforcement response.
  • Proportion of women experiencing domestic violence: The study in Poland suggesting 60% of women have experienced domestic violence serves as a prevalence indicator.

• Indicators for Target 16.3 (Access to Justice):

  • Existence of laws and policies: The article mentions new laws in Germany and Poland, which is a qualitative indicator of institutional commitment.
  • Number of protection orders issued: Spain recorded 8,860 victims with protection or restraining orders, an indicator of the justice system’s protective actions.
  • Availability of support services: Germany’s plan for “nationwide protection and counselling services” and the funding allocated (2.6 billion euros) are indicators of the state’s capacity to provide support.

• Indicators for Target 1.2 (Poverty Reduction):

  • Proportion of survivors economically dependent on perpetrators: The figure from England and Wales that “62.5% of services also reported that victims were economically unable to leave the perpetrator” is a direct indicator of the economic dimension of domestic abuse.
  • Proportion of survivors relying on food banks: The statistic that 78.8% of survivors in England and Wales relied on food banks is a stark indicator of the poverty experienced by victims.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: euronews.com