Sexualized violence
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Violence—more than just punches and kicks
Violence is not only manifested in physical injuries, but begins much earlier. It can manifest itself in words, looks, digital messages, or in the constant control of another person. It can be physical (e.g., by injuring other people), psychological (e.g., through humiliation or stalking), or digital (e.g., through bullying on social media), or it can take several forms at once.
Violence is always involved when someone disregards or intentionally violates another person's boundaries—physically or psychologically.
You can find an overview of different forms of violence here.
Sexualized violence
Sexualized violence occurs when sexuality is deliberately used to exercise power and control over a person. It is not about pleasure or intimacy, but about a violation of sexual self-determination.
Uncomfortable looks, comments such as “You want it, too,” or messages such as “Send me a sexy photo” also count.
Sexualized violence differs from sexual violence in its focus: while “sexual violence” refers to the act itself, the term “sexualized violence” makes it clear that sexuality is being instrumentalized as a means of exercising violence and dominance.
Important terms – so that we're all talking about the same thing
| Catcalling | Sexually charged comments or whistles in public spaces, usually by men towards women. This is not flirting, but a form of harassment |
|---|---|
| Femicide | When women or girls are killed because they are female. This usually occurs in the context of intimate partner or family violence |
| Misogyny | An emotional and hateful attitude towards women. Misogyny stems from patriarchy |
| Coercion (Nötigung) | When someone is forced, through violence or threats, to behave in a way they do not want to (StGB §240) |
| Patriarchy | A social structure in which men have historically had more power, with consequences that are still felt in many areas today. Sexualized violence is reinforced by these power structures |
| Sexualize | To bring something into a sexual context. It is problematic when it is inappropriate, unwanted, or crosses boundaries |
| Sexualized violence | Sexuality is deliberately used to exercise power and control: verbally, physically, or digitally. The term especially emphasizes the word violence |
| Sexual | Related to sexuality, i.e., physical intimacy, sexual acts, stimuli, or fantasies. |
| Sexual harassment (Sexuelle Belästigung) | Touching of a sexual nature that is unwanted by the person being touched and that violates their human dignity (StGB §184i) |
| Sexual violence | Often used synonymously with sexualized violence, but refers more specifically to the sexual act itself |
| Violation | Behavior that crosses a boundary – physical, sexual, or psychological. Violations are often non-consensual and hurtful |
| Pimping (Zuhälterei) | When someone deliberately profits from or exploits the labor of sex workers (StGB §181a) |
“Just an isolated case?” – Not at all
Sexualized violence is not a phenomenon that only happens at the periphery of society. It is part of everyday life for far too many people.
In 2023, over 52,000 sexual offenses were officially registered in Germany. And those are only the cases that were reported
86% of the victims were women, over 98% of the perpetrators were male
Bundeskriminalamt (BKA). (2024). Bundeslagebild—Geschlechtsspezifisch gegen Frauen gerichtete Straftaten 2023. Two out of three women experience sexual harassment in their lifetime, and one in seven even experience serious assaults (German: “schwere Übergriffe”)
Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend. (2025, April 10). Formen der Gewalt erkennen. www.bmbfsfj.bund.de
But men also experience sexual violence. One in three men report sexist assaults by other men or by women
Young people are particularly at risk:
Over half of those affected (victims / survivors) are under 18,
and another quarter are under 21.
Perpetrators are often between 30 and 40 years old
Help and information on sexualized violence against children and young people can be found on the “Hilfe-Portal-Missbrauch” website.
In addition, people with disabilities are 2 to 3 times more likely to be affected than others
Further information can be found at “einfach Teilhaben” or “Frauen gegen Gewalt”; counseling can be found through “Suse hilft.”
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a clear violation of boundaries and, in many cases, is even punishable by law.
According to the German Criminal Code (§ 184i StGB), sexual harassment occurs when someone touches another person in an unwanted and sexually-motivated manner, e.g., on the buttocks, chest, or thighs.
However, not all harassment involves physical contact. Words, gestures, or images can also be sexually abusive. The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) applies to this, especially in the workplace.
In the work context, the following applies:
Sexual harassment is any sexually-motivated act that violates the dignity of another person (e.g., through suggestive comments, unwanted invitations, showing pornographic content, or sexually-motivated touching).
If the behavior leads to a work environment characterized by intimidation, humiliation, or insults, this is a clear violation of boundaries and can have legal consequences. (AGG § 3 (4))
What can you do if it happens to you?
FYI
According to studies, employees in the social and health sectors are especially likely to experience sexual harassment
Important to know
It is quite normal to be unsure whether behavior is “already” harassment. Take your feelings seriously if something makes you uncomfortable.
What you consider to be crossing boundaries does not have to be “objectively bad” to be harassment.
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence refers to violence used specifically against women because they are women or because they are perceived as such by the perpetrators.
According to the German Violence Assistance Act (§ 2 GewHG), this includes:
physical,
sexual,
and psychological violence
that only affects women or disproportionately affects women.
This violence is an expression of deeply entrenched power differences. It arises in a patriarchal society in which women often have less power, less protection, and less of a voice.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence refers to violence in the private sphere, often perpetrated by partners, ex-partners, family members, or people living in the same household.
It can be physical, sexual, or psychological, and it affects people of all genders, even though women are more frequently affected.
German law (§ 2 GewHG (2)) mentions the following situations:
Violence within existing or ended partnerships (including same-sex partnerships)
Violence by family members or other persons living in the household
whether they currently share a common residence or not.
In 2024, over 250,000 cases of domestic violence were reported in Germany. Over 70% of those affected were women.
What you can (or should) do
If you are affected: You have the right to protection, counseling, and help.
If you notice signs in your social circle
Femicide
Femicide – when women are killed because they are women
Femicide is not a “relationship tragedy” or “jealousy drama.” It is a targeted act of lethal violence that affects women (or people perceived as female) because they are women.
The term refers to the fact that such killings do not happen by chance or purely for “personal” reasons, but are an expression of structural inequality and patriarchal thinking.
What exactly is femicide?
The killing of a woman or girl by a person who considers her inferior because of her gender.
This also includes killings motivated by possessiveness, loss of control, or so-called “honor.” Persons who are perceived as female by the perpetrators are also considered victims in this definition
And legally?
In 2023, 938 women were killed in Germany.
Not all of these are femicides. A clear legal classification is needed to distinguish between “murder” and “femicide.”
The term femicide is not (yet) enshrined in the German Criminal Code. Depending on the motive and the individual case, such killings are treated as:
manslaughter (§ 212 StGB)
assault resulting in death (§ 227),
or murder (§ 211).
This makes it difficult to record concrete figures, as the gender-specific motive is often not systematically documented.
Why is it important to talk about femicide?
Because every week in Germany, a woman is killed by her (ex-)partner.
Because this violence is often downplayed due to gender and the relationship and is labeled, for example, as a tragic love story.
And because solutions can only be found once we clearly identify the problem.
Tip
Tip: The Instagram channel @femizide_stoppen documents cases, names names, tells stories, and gives victims a voice.
Catcalling
Catcalling is NOT A COMPLIMENT, but a violation of boundaries.
“Nice ass!”, “Wanna have a threesome?”: What sounds like a bad joke is unfortunately everyday life for many women and queer people. And it has a name: catcalling.
Catcalling refers to sexually charged, suggestive, or intrusive comments made in public spaces, for example on the way to work, at the bus stop, or at a party.
It is often accompanied by whistling, staring, or explicit gestures.
Why it's not harmless:
87% of those affected ignore catcalling
42% are afraid of (sexual) assault
45% “arm” themselves for protection when they are out alone, for example with pepper spray or keys between their fingers
Almost half make a phone call on their way home to feel safer
Catcalling is not a form of flirting or charm, but an attempt to exert power over another person. It causes harm, unsettles victims, and severely restricts freedom in everyday life
Is catcalling a crime?
In Germany, catcalling alone is not currently classed as a criminal offense.
However, if catcalling constitutes an insult or coercion, it may be reportable.
Other countries such as Spain, France, and Belgium have now classified catcalling as a misdemeanor and imposed fines.
Why do (some) men do it?
Men cite flirting or sexual interest in the target person as their motivation for catcalling.
Studies show that men who catcall are more likely to exhibit
hostile sexism,
self-ascribed masculinity,
social dominance orientation,
and a high tolerance for sexual harassment.
What to do about catcalling?
If you are a witness:
Am I allowed to defend myself? – Yes! Self-defense is permitted
If you are sexually harassed, harassed, or physically assaulted, you have the right to act in self-defense.
Self-defense (Notwehr, § 32 StGB) means:
You may defend yourself with reasonable means to ward off an attack without making yourself liable to prosecution. This also applies if you raise your voice, push someone away, or physically protect yourself.
Important: Your reaction must be proportionate to the threat, but you do not have to put up with everything.
Be brave – Get help
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
No matter what happened, it is not your fault.
Sexual violence is always an assault, always a violation of boundaries, and it happens much more often than many people think.
Statistics show: You are not the only one and you are not powerless.
What matters: You have the right to get help. You do not have to deal with this alone. And seeking support is courageous, not embarrassing.
The sooner you reach out, the better you can be helped.
Whether you are affected yourself or want to support someone else:
You do not have to face this alone.
Many support centers offer anonymous, free, and confidential advice by phone, chat, or in person.
Helpline „Gewalt gegen Frauen“ (violence against women)
Helpline „Gewalt an Männern“ (violence against men)
Find help locally
There are women's counseling centers, women's shelters, and specialist centers for men and queer people in your area.
The counselors will listen to you. They will not judge you. And they will show you, at your own pace, what options are available to you.
Get police involved – if you want to
If you have been physically injured or feel threatened:
Dial 110 (Emergency police service hotline in Germany). The police can help immediately, even if you don’t explain everything right away.
Even in cases of sexualized violence that are not immediate (e.g., digital harassment or past assaults), you can file a criminal complaint.
You can do this at any police station, often anonymously or with someone accompanying you.
Important: You should ideally file the report within 3 months of the incident. But even after that, it is often still possible to take action.
Tip: You can find support for the reporting process in the Opferfibel (victim's guide).
Important
You should file the report within 3 months of the incident. But even after that, there are often still options available—seek legal advice.
Preserving evidence – even without filing a report
Anyone who has experienced sexual violence can have evidence collected. Even if you do not (yet) intend to file a police report. This should be done as soon as possible after the incident.
This is called confidential evidence collection (vertrauliche Spurensicherung). It is:
- anonymous,
- free of charge,
- and usually takes place at hospitals or with specialized doctors.
This is how it works:
You undergo a medical examination without immediately filing a criminal complaint.
Clothing, underwear, or other evidence is preserved.
Injuries are documented, DNA evidence is preserved, and, if necessary, gynecological examinations are performed.
The records are stored for several years in case you decide to report the crime later.
The examination can be stressful. You can bring someone with you, e.g., a trusted person or someone from a counseling service.
It is important that all evidence is left intact. Therefore, it is recommended not to shower, brush your teeth, or change your clothes before the medical exam takes place. If evidence is to be secured in your mouth, it may help to avoid eating or drinking anything so that traces remain intact.
You don't have to do anything alone
You can decide for yourself what you want to do and when, but you do not have to handle it alone.
It was not your fault. And you have the right to be heard.
More information:
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Weißer Ring
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Weißer Ring
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Hilfetelefon/Helpline
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Hilfetelefon/Helpline
How can I help if someone I know is affected?
Do you suspect that someone in your circle is experiencing (or has experienced) sexual violence? Or has someone confided in you and you don't want to do anything wrong?
First things first:
Believe the person affected. Doubts, judgments, or supposedly well-meaning questions (“Are you sure?”) can be a retraumatizing . Your trust can be the first step toward healing.
Here's how you can help:
Important to know:
Sexual violence is often associated with feelings of shame, fear, and guilt.
Be mindful and careful with your choice of words.
Some people need months or years before they can talk about what they have experienced.
Patience is a sign of strength, not inaction.
Helpers can also seek support.
Do you feel overwhelmed or helpless? Counseling services are available for you as well.
Tip: The flyer “An ihrer Seite” (Standing by her side) by the bff provides further practical guidance for support people.
Overview of counseling services
Here you will find an overview of all relevant counseling centers:
Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen
Helpline Violence Against Women:
Counseling about sexualized violence against women
Website: www.hilfetelefon.de
Tel.: 116 016 Around the clock; 24/7
Email counseling: Response within 24 hours
Counseling via chat: Daily between 12:00 and 20:00
Weißer Ring
White ring
Counseling for victims of crime
Website: www.weisser-ring.de
Tel: 116 006 Daily 7:00 - 22:00
Online counseling: Response within 72 hours
Suse hilft
Suse helps
Counseling about sexual violence against people with disabilities
Website: www.suse-hilft.de
Tel: 08000 116 016 (Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen)
Email: suse@bv-bff.de
Frauen Info Netz
Women's Info Network
Information on space available in women's shelters
Website: https://www.frauen-info-netz.de/
Hilfetelefon Gewalt an Männern
Helpline Violence Against Men
Counseling about sexualized violence against men
Website: www.maennerhilfetelefon.de
Tel.: 0800 1239900 Mon to Thu 8:00 - 20:00, Wed 8:00 - 15:00
Email counseling: beratung@maennerhilfetelefon.de
Counseling via chat: Mon to Thu 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 19:00
Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes
Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
Counseling about sexual harassment at work
Website: www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de
Tel: 0800 5465465 Mon to Thu 9:00 - 15:00
Email: beratung@ads.bund.de
Bundesverband Frauenberatungsstellen und Frauennotrufe – Frauen gegen Gewalt (bff)
Federal Association of Women's Counseling Centers and Women's Emergency Hotlines – Women Against Violence (bff)
Counseling about sexualized violence against women
Website: www.frauen-gegen-gewalt.de
Tel: 030 32299500
Email: info@bv-bff.de
Local counseling centers: Help database
Hilfe Portal Missbrauch
Help Portal for Molestation
Counseling about sexualized violence against children and adolescents
Website: www.hilfe-portal-missbrauch.de
Tel: 0800 2255530 Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 - 14:00, Tue & Thu 15:00 - 20:00