In 2023, the number of cases of domestic violence reported in Saxony-Anhalt increased by 30 percent from five years earlier. Nearly 8,000 cases were recorded, which means that there was one case of domestic violence every hour. The instances of violence included offenses such as bodily harm, homicides, blackmail, threats, and stalking.
Of the recorded instances of violence within relationships, around 5,600 cases were reported last year. In three out of four cases, the suspects were male. Additionally, approximately 2,400 cases of violence within families, including against children and relatives, were reported. About 72 percent of the suspects in these family-related violence cases were men and alcohol was a factor in about 18 percent of these instances.
The prevalence of domestic violence and family-related violence in Saxony-Anhalt is concerning. The high number of reported cases highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and support services to address this troubling trend. It is essential to provide resources for victims to seek help and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.