A fresh study reveals the widespread extent of domestic violence in Germany, finding that psychological abuse in partnerships is a significant problem for both women and men. Nearly half of all women and 40 percent of men report experiencing it, yet few report these incidents to authorities.
Hidden Dimensions of Abuse
The study, known as LeSuBia (short for Lebenssituation, Sicherheit und Belastung im Alltag – Life Situation, Security and Stress in Everyday Life), surveyed 15,479 people in Germany between July 2023 and January 2025 regarding their experiences with violence. The research, initiated before the current government took office, aimed to better understand the scope of sexual harassment and various forms of violence.
The findings indicate that in the past five years, women and men have been affected by both psychological and physical violence in (former) partnerships at similar rates. However, women consistently report experiencing more severe forms of violence. Men are also affected by sexual harassment, sexual assault, and stalking.
Psychological violence takes many forms, including constant insults, ridicule, threats, and controlling behavior such as monitoring phones, finances, or social connections. 48.7 percent of women and 40 percent of men report experiencing psychological violence in a current or former partnership. Men are comparatively more often victims of controlling violence, while women experience psychological violence at a higher percentage and rate the situations as more frightening and severe.
Reporting rates for psychological violence remain extremely low, with most forms having an incidence rate of under 3 percent. Physical violence is reported slightly more often, at 2.7 percent for women and 3.5 percent for men. 16.1 percent of respondents have experienced physical violence from a (former) partner.
False accusations are also a factor, with 3.2 percent of those who have been in a partnership reporting being falsely accused by a (former) partner. This occurs more frequently after a relationship has ended, and more often with men than women.
Nearly half of all people (45.8 percent) have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime, with over a quarter (26.5 percent) reporting it within the last five years. Sexual harassment without physical contact, such as catcalling or unwanted messages, is the most common form. In the course of their lives, one in four men (23.5 percent) and one in two women (56.7 percent) have experienced sexual harassment without physical contact.
11.2 percent of respondents reported experiencing sexual assault at least once in their lives. In cases involving female victims, former partners are most often identified as the perpetrators (46.5 percent). For male victims, the perpetrators are more often acquaintances (33.3 percent), followed by friends, neighbors, and acquaintances (27.1 percent).
The study fulfills an obligation stemming from the Istanbul Convention for preventing violence against women, but also expands its scope to include all people in Germany. The data collected will be used to develop more effective measures to combat violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of psychological violence were examined in the study?
The study examined emotional violence, including constant insults, ridicule, threats, and controlling behaviors like monitoring phones or finances.
Did the study find differences in how men and women experience violence?
While both genders experience psychological and physical violence at similar rates, women generally report more severe forms of violence and greater fear in these situations.
How often are false accusations made in partnerships, according to the study?
3.2 percent of people who have been in a partnership report being falsely accused by a (former) partner, with this occurring more often after the relationship has ended.
How might these findings influence future policies and support systems for victims of domestic violence?
