Report on Gender-Based Domestic Violence in Germany in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report examines the prevalence of gender-based domestic violence in Germany, analyzing its direct impact on the nation’s progress toward key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on an investigation by Kamilla Jarzina, the findings highlight that violence against women in the private sphere represents a significant barrier to achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The report utilizes case studies, statistical data, and multi-stakeholder perspectives to underscore the urgency for enhanced policy and societal action to protect victims, ensure their well-being (SDG 3), and provide safe environments (SDG 11).

Case Study Analysis: The Need for Safe Havens and Protection

The case of Anna, who sought refuge in a women’s shelter for a year following a murder attempt by her husband and threats to their children, exemplifies a critical failure in societal safety structures. This individual experience highlights systemic challenges related to several SDGs:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The necessity for women’s shelters demonstrates the urgent need for access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing (Target 11.1) for vulnerable populations fleeing violence.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The threats against the children are a direct violation of Target 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, and all forms of violence against children.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The severe physical and psychological trauma experienced by victims like Anna necessitates robust support systems that promote mental health and well-being (Target 3.4).

Statistical Overview: A Direct Contravention of SDG 5

The fact that a woman’s own home is often the most dangerous place for her is a profound challenge to development objectives. The data indicates a severe and persistent problem that directly undermines gender equality targets.

• Prevalence of Violence: In Germany, a woman is subjected to violence by a partner or ex-partner every four minutes on average.
• Violation of SDG Target 5.2: This statistic represents a stark failure to meet the goal of eliminating all forms of violence against all women and girls in the private sphere.
• Impact on Equality: Such violence is a fundamental form of discrimination that prevents women’s full and effective participation in society, a core principle of SDG 5.

Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives on Gender-Based Violence

To understand the root causes and potential solutions, the investigation gathered testimonies from different parties involved in the cycle of domestic abuse.

1. Victim Testimonies: Accounts from survivors of domestic abuse underscore the devastating impact on their health, safety, and economic independence, touching upon SDGs 3, 5, and 16.
2. Perpetrator Testimony: Analysis of a perpetrator’s perspective provides insight into the harmful social norms and behaviors that must be addressed through education and intervention to achieve lasting change in line with SDG 5.

Policy and Societal Recommendations for SDG Attainment

Addressing gender-based violence requires a coordinated response from policymakers and society to create a safe and just environment in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Advance SDG 5: Strengthen and enforce legal frameworks that criminalize all forms of domestic violence and launch national awareness campaigns to dismantle patriarchal norms that perpetuate violence against women.
• Strengthen SDG 16: Ensure access to justice for all victims and hold perpetrators accountable, thereby reducing all forms of violence and building more peaceful and inclusive institutions.
• Support SDGs 3 and 11: Increase investment in and expand the capacity of women’s shelters and provide integrated, long-term physical and mental health support for survivors and their children.

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

SDG 5: Gender Equality

The article’s core subject is “gender-based violence,” specifically domestic violence perpetrated by men against their female partners. It highlights this with the case of Anna, who was attacked by her husband, and the statistic that “the most dangerous place for a woman is her own home,” directly connecting the issue to gender inequality and the safety of women.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The article touches on themes of violence, safety, and the role of institutions. The mention of a woman needing “special protection,” a husband who “tried to kill her,” threats against children, and the question of what “policymakers” can do all point to the need for justice, protection from violence, and strong institutional responses, which are central to SDG 16.

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

SDG 5: Gender Equality

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • The article directly addresses this target by focusing on domestic violence within the “private sphere” of a woman’s “own home.” The case of Anna and the statistic about violence occurring “every four minutes” are clear examples of the violence this target aims to eliminate.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The statement that Anna’s husband “tried to kill her” is a direct reference to lethal violence that this target seeks to reduce.
2. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • The article mentions that the husband “threatened their children,” which constitutes a form of psychological violence against children, an issue addressed by this target.
3. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • The fact that Anna is in a “women’s shelter” and is “in need of special protection” implies an interaction with justice and support systems. The question posed about what “policymakers… can do” further underscores the need for effective legal and institutional frameworks to provide justice and protection.

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

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Indicator for Target 5.2: The article provides a specific data point that serves as a measure of the prevalence of intimate partner violence: “On average, a partner or ex-partner subjects a woman in Germany to violence every four minutes.” This frequency rate is a direct indicator of the scale of violence against women by partners, aligning with the goal of Indicator 5.2.1 (Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to intimate partner violence).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Indicator for Target 16.1: The mention of an attempted murder (“tried to kill her”) highlights the problem of intentional homicide and severe physical violence, which are measured by Indicator 16.1.1 (Number of victims of intentional homicide) and Indicator 16.1.3 (Proportion of population subjected to physical violence).
• Indicator for Target 16.2: The act of the husband who “threatened their children” is an instance of psychological aggression against children, which can be measured by Indicator 16.2.1 (Proportion of children who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers).
• Indicator for Target 16.3: The existence of support mechanisms like a “women’s shelter” and the provision of “special protection” are implied indicators of access to justice and support services for victims of violence, which relates to the principles of ensuring access to justice.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dw.com