In an open letter, a broad alliance of civil society organizations is calling on the governments of the federal states to approve the Violence Assistance Act in the Bundesrat on 14 February 2025. Gewaltfrei in die Zukunft e.V. is also one of the signatories.
Subject: Approval of the Violence Assistance Act in the Federal Council on February 14, 2025

Dear Minister Presidents,

Dear Minister Presidents of the Federal States,

Dear Representations of the Federal States to the Federal Government,

On 31 January, a historic decision was made in the Bundestag: comprehensive protection against violence for women and children has come one step closer to its goal. January, a historic decision was made in the Bundestag: comprehensive protection against violence for women and their children came one step closer to its goal with the approval of a majority of MPs.

The final hurdle awaits the Violence Protection Act in the Bundesrat on February 14. There, they will decide whether victims of violence will be able to take advantage of needs-based support services throughout Germany.

Women's and human rights associations, parliamentarians, victims and people in solidarity have celebrated the Bundestag's decision. After years of politics and civil society drafting this law together and finally finding a compromise in tough negotiations, we now hope that you will take a clear stance in favor of good protection against violence.

At the hearing in the Family Affairs Committee on January 27, it became clear once again that this law poses major challenges for the federal states and local authorities. As a result, the date on which the legal entitlement to protection against violence comes into force has been postponed by two years. There must be no further delay. Failure to pass the bill would mean that those affected by violence would continue to have no secure access to protection and advice.

Germany has come closer than ever before to implementing the Istanbul Convention with this law. Vote for the law on February 14 to guarantee women and their children the protection that the Federal Republic, the federal states, the municipalities and the cities must guarantee them.

Bundesverband Frauenberatungsstellen und Frauennotrufe Frauen gegen Gewalt e.V.

Zentrale Informationsstelle Autonomer Frauenhäuser