Not Enough Shelter Spaces for Men Who Experience Violence

More and more men are seeking help at shelters due to domestic violence. From 2022 through 2025, their number nearly doubled nationwide—from 421 to 798, said Jana Peters of the Federal Expert and Coordination Office for Protection Against Men’s Violence. However, multiple reports are possible if those affected seek shelter in several different shelters.

As of the end of September this year, a total of 15 shelters were available, offering just over 50 spots for men and, if necessary, their children. In addition, there are six specialized shelters that are also open to queer people.

According to Peters, the number of shelter spaces rose from 41 to 52 between 2022 and 2025. This explains why only a slight increase in the number of affected individuals was recorded. In 2022, 99 men were able to move into shelter apartments; three years later, there were 128 residents. The usage statistics indicate that turnaways due to a lack of space have quadrupled over the past four years. In 2022, 61 men were affected; by 2025, that number had risen to 230.

60 percent report experiencing violence during or after a relationship

“In studies on unreported cases, men report all known forms of violence,” Peters emphasized. About 60 percent of residents reported experiencing violence during or after a relationship, while 38 percent experienced violence within the family—at the hands of parents, siblings, or other relatives. For 5.5 percent, this occurred within their “immediate social circle”—for example, at the hands of landlords or roommates in shared apartments.

Women Remain the Primary Victims of Domestic Violence

It was reported that 60 percent of the alleged perpetrators were female. When men experienced violence directly within a relationship, 93 percent of the time it was perpetrated by women. However, women remain the primary victims of domestic violence. In 2024, out of nearly 266,000 cases reported to the police, 187,128 women were affected. 

According to Mirko Luckau, who works with men at a shelter in Dresden, the residents often moved in because of psychological abuse. Others had experienced physical and social abuse. “They are physically abused and discriminated against because of their opinions, their attitudes, or their ethnicity (...). Unfortunately, they often seek help only very late or resign themselves to their fate.” As a rule, the length of stay at the shelter is three months, but it can also be extended to six months. 

Affected men are often in the prime of their lives

“The men who turn to us are often in the prime of their lives,” said Luckau. Fathers often handle conflicts differently. “Only a few dare to seek refuge in a shelter together with their children. Their coping strategies often look different. They remain in abusive relationships for a long time and try to resolve the situation on their own.”

The pathways to men’s shelters vary. According to statistics, in 2025 about 40 percent came of their own accord, 21 percent were referred by counseling centers, and 8.6 percent were referred by the police. Widespread public awareness and cooperation with various specialized agencies are absolutely necessary, as is secure funding, it was further noted.

State Parliament Passes Violence Prevention Act

According to Saxony’s Minister of Social Affairs, Petra Köpping (SPD), Saxony is playing a pioneering role nationwide in protecting men from violence. There are currently 14 spots available in the Free State. “We are operating at 75 percent capacity.” Unfortunately, 50 people had to be turned away last year due to capacity constraints. The minister pointed out that the Saxon State Parliament plans to pass a Violence Assistance Act this Wednesday.