New Law Aims to Strengthen the Support System for Victims of Domestic Violence

The Saxon government aims to improve protection for victims of violence and has submitted a draft bill to the state parliament to that end. “The law will ensure the expansion and long-term sustainability of existing protection and counseling services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence,” the Ministry of Social Affairs announced following the cabinet meeting. In particular, funding for these facilities is set to improve. In addition, new shelters and more counseling services are planned for the coming years.

Improving Cooperation Between Shelter Facilities and Authorities

Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) made it clear that the law applies to all victims of domestic violence—regardless of gender. In addition to shelter and counseling services, the focus is on expanding information and prevention programs for those affected—including those who perpetrate violence. Furthermore, cooperation between violence prevention agencies, general support services, and government agencies is to be further improved.

The law is set to take effect on January 1. Together with federal funding, the next biennial budget allocates approximately 19 million euros for 2027 and approximately 20 million euros for 2028 to support the assistance system.

Saxony Faces a Shortage of Shelter Spaces

A minor parliamentary inquiry by Left Party politician Juliane Nagel in the state parliament recently revealed that there are still too few shelter spaces in Saxony for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Last year, at least 306 women who sought refuge in one of Saxony’s 17 shelters had to be turned away due to a lack of space. 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.