Name it. Stop it - Establish femicide as a specific crime in Germany.
Name it. Stop it - Establish femicide as a specific crime in Germany.
The Issue
Femicide, the gender-motivated killing of women, is a grave violation of human rights and a growing crisis worldwide. It is imperative that Germany recognizes femicide as a specific legal category within its judicial system. This legislative change would not only raise awareness about violence against women but also drive home the seriousness of such acts.
Currently, in Germany, femicide cases are often categorized under general homicide or manslaughter statutes. This approach fails to recognize the gender-based motivations behind these crimes, rendering the issue invisible and often disregarded. By not distinguishing these heinous acts as femicide, victims are denied justice and the opportunity for society to address the distinctive root causes and cultural factors that contribute to these tragic events.
According to UN Woman and UNODC, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. 60 per cent of these homicides –51,100- were committed by an intimate partner or a family member. The data shows that 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes. Germany is not exempt from this trend. Recognizing femicide within the legal framework will allow authorities to better track incidents, understand the scope of the problem, and develop targeted solutions to prevent further tragedies.
Moreover, countries like Italy and Spain have already adopted laws that specifically address femicide, leading to improvements in both awareness and prevention. Germany can emulate these examples by setting a legal precedent that acknowledges and combats violence against women in a concrete and impactful way.
We urge the Bundestag to act now by passing legislation that designates femicide as a distinct crime. By doing so, Germany will not only provide justice for victims and their families but also serve as a leader in the global fight against gender-based violence.
Please join us in calling on German lawmakers to take this crucial step towards safeguarding the lives of countless women. Sign this petition, and together, let us demand action to establish femicide as a specific crime in Germany. If we name it, we can stop it!
On our website, you can find out more ways to influence and support our campaign. Visit NameItStopIt.com to learn more!
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The Issue
Femicide, the gender-motivated killing of women, is a grave violation of human rights and a growing crisis worldwide. It is imperative that Germany recognizes femicide as a specific legal category within its judicial system. This legislative change would not only raise awareness about violence against women but also drive home the seriousness of such acts.
Currently, in Germany, femicide cases are often categorized under general homicide or manslaughter statutes. This approach fails to recognize the gender-based motivations behind these crimes, rendering the issue invisible and often disregarded. By not distinguishing these heinous acts as femicide, victims are denied justice and the opportunity for society to address the distinctive root causes and cultural factors that contribute to these tragic events.
According to UN Woman and UNODC, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023. 60 per cent of these homicides –51,100- were committed by an intimate partner or a family member. The data shows that 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes. Germany is not exempt from this trend. Recognizing femicide within the legal framework will allow authorities to better track incidents, understand the scope of the problem, and develop targeted solutions to prevent further tragedies.
Moreover, countries like Italy and Spain have already adopted laws that specifically address femicide, leading to improvements in both awareness and prevention. Germany can emulate these examples by setting a legal precedent that acknowledges and combats violence against women in a concrete and impactful way.
We urge the Bundestag to act now by passing legislation that designates femicide as a distinct crime. By doing so, Germany will not only provide justice for victims and their families but also serve as a leader in the global fight against gender-based violence.
Please join us in calling on German lawmakers to take this crucial step towards safeguarding the lives of countless women. Sign this petition, and together, let us demand action to establish femicide as a specific crime in Germany. If we name it, we can stop it!
On our website, you can find out more ways to influence and support our campaign. Visit NameItStopIt.com to learn more!
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Petition created on September 23, 2025