🧭 Forms of domestic violence and first orientation
In brief
Domestic violence covers all forms of violence between (ex-)partners or other members of a household. This includes not only blows or other physical assaults, but also psychological violence (threats, humiliation, isolation from family and friends), economic violence (control over money, banning you from having a job of your own), sexualised violence and digital violence (monitoring your phone, stalking via social media, sharing intimate images without consent). All of these forms can be addressed under civil law (Protection against Violence Act, Gewaltschutzgesetz), under criminal law, or by both routes at the same time.
The boundaries between the forms are often blurred, and violence frequently escalates over time. Something does not have to have happened that is "bad enough" before you seek help or consider legal steps – even repeated threats or control are to be taken seriously and are legally relevant.
Step by step
- AssessTake your time (or do it together with an advice centre) to consider which forms of violence you are experiencing – psychological or economic violence is also a separate ground for protective measures.
- DocumentRecord incidents as soon as possible: date, time, what happened, injuries, witnesses, threatening messages (see securing evidence).
- Get confidential adviceThe helpline 116 016 or a local women's advice centre will help free of charge and anonymously, regardless of whether you already want to take a step or are just gathering information.
- Think about a safety planKeep important documents, some money and a spare phone ready in an accessible, safe place; tell someone you trust.
- Know your rightsFind out about police removal orders, the Gewaltschutzgesetz and, if applicable, a criminal complaint – you do not have to decide on one route straight away.
Deadlines
- Psychological and economic violence are often played down or not recognised by those affected themselves as "real" violence – legally, however, they count fully, including for an application under the Gewaltschutzgesetz.
- Violence often escalates in phases; a calm phase after an incident is no reliable sign that the situation has improved for good.
- Digital traces (location sharing, shared accounts, smart-home devices) can be used for control – factor this into safety planning.
- Figures on how common violence is differ greatly depending on source and definition (offences recorded by the police vs. surveys of unreported cases) – see sources and methodology for context.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Legal starting points at a glance
Three legal levels interlock in cases of domestic violence, but can be used independently of one another: the police law of the Länder (removal order/ban on returning as an immediate measure to avert danger), civil law (Gewaltschutzgesetz: restraining orders, no-contact orders and bans on entering, as well as allocation of the home) and criminal law (including §§ 223, 224 assault, § 240 coercion, § 238 stalking StGB). A criminal complaint is not a precondition for a police removal order or an application under the Gewaltschutzgesetz.
Figures – to be read with caution
The Bundeslagebild Partnerschaftsgewalt of the Bundeskriminalamt (published 21 November 2025, data year 2024) counted 171,069 victims of intimate partner violence nationwide (an increase of 1.9% on the previous year), around 80% of them female; 132 women and 24 men were killed by intimate partner violence in 2024. This figure covers only cases reported to or otherwise known to the police (recorded cases). Independent surveys of unreported cases on the prevalence of violence in relationships use different methods and arrive at clearly different orders of magnitude; this page deliberately does not mix the two types of source and gives here only the BKA figure with year and source.
Domestic violence against whom?
The vast majority of those affected by intimate partner violence are female; according to the BKA, 77.7% of suspects are male. But domestic violence also affects men, people in same-sex relationships and other household members (e.g. adult children towards parents) – the contact points and legal instruments named on this page are in principle open to everyone, even though many specialised services have historically been aimed at women.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.