Saxony launches campaign on violence against women

Harassment, beatings and rape: Women are also regularly victims of violence in Saxony. The scene of the crime is often the actually protected space of a home, but it can also happen on the street, on public transport or at work. Saxony is therefore launching a state-wide campaign to shed light on an intolerable situation, encourage those affected and provide support.

"Violence is not a private problem. We want to draw attention to this with our "Everyday life without violence" campaign," explained Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). Sexual and domestic violence in all its forms is a matter for society and a violation of human rights. They occur regardless of the status, origin or age of those affected.

Increasing numbers of cases in Saxony

"We can only effectively counter violence against women and girls if we also question our own behavior. And if we are fully informed about the causes, mechanisms, consequences and support channels," emphasized the Minister. The rising numbers of domestic violence are alarming and evidence of a very great need for action.

According to statistics, around one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexualized violence in the course of their lives. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, this is also a problem in Saxony. "In the last six years, cases of domestic violence recorded by the police have risen by 33 percent from 7,698 cases in 2019 to 10,202 cases in 2024. These include simple and dangerous bodily harm, digital harassment and rape."

Posters, spots on public transport and social media

The "Everyday life without violence" campaign aims to empower those affected and those around them, encourage them and show them ways to get support. It will kick off with a Saxony-wide poster campaign, spots on public transport passenger TV, on social media and on Spotify. February 14 was deliberately chosen as the launch date. It stands for "One Billion Rising" - a global initiative for violence against women and girls.

Campaign to run until the end of the year and not just in German

"I am very pleased that we now have an instrument in the form of the "Everyday life without violence" campaign that we can use to raise public awareness of this important issue," said Social Affairs Minister Köpping. Until the end of the year, the campaign, in cooperation with members of the violence protection network in Saxony, will continue to focus on empowering those affected, addressing perpetrators and recognizing sexualized violence. In addition to German, the campaign is also available in Ukrainian, Czech, Polish, Arabic and English.