Violence Assistance Act passed

Equal opportunities commissioner sees success for women's rights in Germany

Shortly before the Bundestag elections, an enormous success has been achieved for women's rights in Germany. Monika Björklund, Equal Opportunities Officer for the town of Beckum, points this out.

21 February 2025
2 people jumping on the beach before sunset

The Violence Assistance Act has cleared the final hurdle in the Federal Council and has been passed. "Even though it won't come into force until 2027 and the legal entitlement will apply from 2032, the confetti cannons can already be fired today," says Monika Björklund.

The Violence Assistance Act is the first federal law to ensure that women affected by violence have a free legal right to protection and counselling. It thus creates the framework for a reliable support system.

After a tough struggle between political representatives and the enormous efforts of various women's aid organisations, an important step has been taken towards implementing the Istanbul Convention in Germany. According to the Equal Opportunities Officer, it is now important to create the conditions for the legal entitlement to be realised.