As of: February 21, 2024, 6:23 p.m
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Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) at a state parliament meeting.
© Jens Kalaene/dpa/archive image
After months of deliberations, the state parliament passed a law intended to curb domestic violence.
Everyone agrees on the goal, but there are different positions.
Potsdam - Brandenburg wants to take stronger action against domestic violence and better protect victims.
On Wednesday, a majority of the state parliament passed a law to curb violence against women and domestic violence.
The period for contact and return bans for violent criminals is thus extended from 10 to 14 days.
Electronic ankle bracelets are permitted in high-risk cases, such as potential sexual and violent offenders, and to monitor conditions.
If there is a concrete threat to life, limb, freedom or the victim's sexual self-determination, the police can expel the perpetrator from their home.
Prevention advice is also possible against the will of the perpetrators.
Interior Minister Michael Stübgen (CDU) welcomed the decision as an “important milestone” in the fight against domestic violence in Brandenburg.
“With the new law, the police finally have comprehensive options to protect potential victims from domestic violence and to effectively prevent perpetrators from committing further crimes,” said Stübgen.
The number of cases related to domestic violence, which can affect women, men and children equally, has risen continuously over the past five years.
According to the ministry, last year the police counted 6,325 cases of domestic violence, an increase of around eight percent compared to the previous year.
In recent years, around 70 percent of victims have been women.
“This law is an important step towards a society that does not tolerate violence and in which victims find support and protection,” said the parliamentary managing director of the SPD parliamentary group, Ludwig Scheetz.
The left-wing domestic politician Marlen Block, who is also chairwoman of the Interior Committee, believes that faster legal and psychological or social-educational help is necessary.
In addition, there must be enough women's protection facilities in all districts, she said.
“However, this draft bill does not contribute to this.”
Not all of the state government's demands were implemented.
The Interior Minister originally wanted to allow police officers to use body cameras in living spaces in cases of domestic violence.
However, this failed due to resistance from the Greens.
The state government announced an action plan in January to curb violence against women and their children.
This includes the existing financial support for protective facilities such as women's shelters and the strengthening of victims' rights.
dpa