Study reveals over 90% of violence goes unreported in Germany

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA)—More than 90% of violent incidents in Germany go unreported to authorities, according to a comprehensive study released Tuesday.

Family Minister Karin Prien presented the study at a press conference in Berlin, highlighting particularly low reporting rates among women, young people, and immigrants.

“Violence is not a marginal phenomenon; it affects millions of people in our country. Almost one in six people experience physical violence in their relationship—and 19 out of 20 incidents are not reported to the police,” she said.

The minister announced that the government will provide strong support for nationwide initiatives to help violence victims and implement preventive measures. "This silence is not individual failure, but an expression of fear and apparently lacking access to help," Prien said. “We must prevent violence before it occurs. Guilt and shame always lie with the perpetrators, never with those affected.”

The study was based on interviews with 15,000 people and examined experiences with domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and digital violence. It also gathered information about interactions with police, medical services, the justice system, and victim support services.

The study found that women were disproportionately affected by partnership-related and gender-specific violence, particularly sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking.

More than half of young people reported experiencing physical violence during childhood and adolescence. People with immigrant backgrounds—particularly women—faced disproportionately high rates of violence compared to the general population.