State Legislature Passes Law to Provide Assistance to Victims of Violence

Victims of domestic violence in Saxony are to receive better care and protection in the future. This is provided for in the Domestic Violence Assistance Act passed by the state parliament. The Free State of Saxony is thus implementing federal guidelines. With the Domestic Violence Assistance Act, which took effect in 2025, the federal government established a legal framework for the first time to create a reliable support system. The federal law delegates this responsibility to the states. 

Starting in 2032, a nationwide, legally enforceable right to protection and counseling in cases of gender-based and domestic violence will apply in Germany for affected women and children. Saxony is extending this to all people. The goal is to establish an adequate network of protection and counseling services. The Free State of Saxony will cover the costs.

Cases of domestic violence are on the rise

Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) pointed out that last year, 11,351 people were victims of domestic violence in Saxony—four percent more than the previous year. “And those are only the known cases.” Behind closed doors, she said, there is far greater suffering. “Helping these people is our duty, because this violence is a problem for all of us, regardless of gender, age, or background.”

According to statistics, three times as many women as men are affected by domestic violence. Saxony recently expanded its domestic violence support system. Nevertheless, it was noted that there are still far from enough services available. There are now 206 spots available in 17 shelters for women and children. In addition, there are 14 spots in shelters for men. According to international guidelines, Saxony would need to provide a good 400 spots given its population.

Saxony plans to gradually expand shelter capacity

“Violence strikes people where they should feel safest. We are not looking the other way; instead, we are establishing a seamless safety net. By 2031, we will gradually increase the number of shelter spaces in the Free State to 275,” announced CDU social policy expert Daniela Kuge. Support services are accessible to all those affected, including people with disabilities.

“Furthermore, we are establishing a shelter for victims of human trafficking in Chemnitz and a specialized counseling service for perpetrators in eastern Saxony to combat violence directly at its root,” said Kuge. In key areas, Saxony is even going beyond federal requirements.

Saxony Covers Costs for “Confidential Evidence Collection”

According to Kuge, Saxony also fully covers the costs for “confidential evidence collection.” In “confidential evidence collection,” medical personnel secure evidence from victims—such as DNA traces or injuries—without requiring them to file a police report immediately. The data is stored under a pseudonym and retained for one year. Such an examination can be conducted up to four days after the incident.

The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband praised the Saxon law as progressive compared to the rest of the country. “In 2025 alone, over 300 women seeking help had to be turned away from shelters due to full occupancy,” the statement said. With this law, Saxony is taking an important step toward expanding capacity. “But this should not be the end of the matter.” It is expected that affected individuals will be able to receive help quickly.