Lack of Space in Women's Shelters: Hundreds Turned Away

Saxony still has too few beds in shelters for victims of domestic and sexual violence: Last year, at least 306 women who sought refuge in one of Saxony’s 17 shelters were turned away due to a lack of space. This was revealed in a parliamentary inquiry submitted by State Parliament member Juliane Nagel (The Left). In addition, there were 20 rejections from specialized facilities for victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution, as well as 50 from men’s shelters.

Although the number of family shelter beds has increased since last year from 168 to 180, Saxony would be required to provide 404 beds for affected women in accordance with the Istanbul Convention, based on its population. The Istanbul Convention is an international agreement that establishes standards for the protection of women and girls against all forms of violence and domestic violence. 

Left Party politician criticizes Saxony’s government for being too hesitant

Nagel stated that the Free State of Saxony still fails to meet the requirement to provide protection for women affected by violence and their children. “Domestic and sexual violence are growing problems that the state government is only tackling hesitantly.” The number of rejections has fallen by only 1.5 percent compared to 2024. Although additional shelter spaces were created because the Left Party and the Greens secured additional funding during negotiations on the 2025/2026 budget, “But the need is much greater.”

Nagel recalled the Violence Assistance Act passed by the Bundestag a year and a half ago. “It can be a milestone, provided the states implement it. After all, it grants women a legal right to a shelter and counseling starting in 2032.” How shelters and counseling services are to be expanded by then is outlined in the Saxon Violence Assistance Act, the draft of which is currently before the state parliament. 

The Left Party Wants to Make Its Demands Clear During Budget Negotiations

“As the Left Party, we have laid out our principles and will make them clear during the negotiations on the 2027–28 biennial budget. We must rapidly expand shelter capacity and make more shelters accessible. So far, there is only one fully accessible shelter; 54 others are considered ‘partially accessible,’” Nagel emphasized.

The Left Party caucus is also calling for minors and queer victims to be included in the scope of the law and provided with specialized support centers. Furthermore, greater efforts toward prevention are crucial. “The physical integrity of girls and women must be safeguarded, and gender equality must be part of the very fabric of our society,” said Nagel.