Berlin – A fresh “Dunkelfeldstudie zur Gewaltbetroffenheit in Deutschland” (Dark Field Study on Violence in Germany) reveals the extent of violence in Germany far exceeds reported crimes. Presented Tuesday by Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (60, CDU) and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (55, CSU), the study found that more than 95 percent of cases involving psychological and physical violence within (ex-)partnerships go unreported. The study surveyed approximately 15,000 people aged 16 to 85 about their experiences with violence.
Nearly half of all women (48.7 percent) and 40 percent of men have experienced psychological violence from a partner or ex-partner at least once in their lives. 16.1 percent have experienced physical violence from a (former) partner, with 5.7 percent experiencing it within the last five years.
Interior Minister Dobrindt emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, “The dark field is large. The extent of this dark field could not have been expected.” He highlighted that less than five percent of violent acts in partnerships are reported to authorities.
The study also revealed that nearly half of all people (45.8 percent) have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives. This includes unwanted looks, comments, and whistles. Over a third of women (34.7 percent) and roughly one in seven men (14.5 percent) experienced sexual harassment without physical contact in the last five years. 14.5 percent of women experienced sexual harassment with physical contact, such as being touched against their will, with perpetrators often being strangers or acquaintances.
Women are significantly more likely to be victims of sexual assault. 11.2 percent of people have experienced sexual assault, with four percent being women, and 1.4 percent being men. Disturbingly, in cases involving female victims, ex-partners were the perpetrators in 46.5 percent of instances.
The study also shows that women are far more frequently victims of violence overall. Family Minister Prien warned, “The numbers show what has long been hidden: the dark field of partner and sexual violence is enormous. Violence is not a marginal phenomenon; it affects millions of people in our country. Almost one in six people experiences physical violence in a partnership – and 19 out of 20 incidents go unreported.”
Stalking is also a concern, with more than one in five people (21.2 percent) having experienced it in their lifetime, and nine percent within the last five years. 10.6 percent of women and 7 percent of men have experienced stalking within the last five years.
Interior Minister Dobrindt stated, “It is about putting the victims of violence at the center.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of women have experienced physical violence from a (former) partner?
16.1 percent of people have experienced physical violence from a (former) partner, with 5.7 percent experiencing it within the last five years.
What percentage of violent acts in partnerships are reported to authorities?
Less than five percent of violent acts in partnerships are reported to authorities.
What percentage of people have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives?
Nearly half of all people (45.8 percent) have been sexually harassed at some point in their lives.
Given the significant underreporting of violence revealed in this study, what steps might be taken to encourage victims to come forward?
