On November 19, 2024, the BMI, the BMFSFJ, and the Federal Criminal Police Office jointly and for the first time presented the situation report "Gender-based Crimes Against Women." The numbers are alarming: in 2023, there were 938 attempted femicides, 360 of which were fatal. Every day, 140 women and girls fall victim to a sexual offense. In all areas (including murder, sexual offenses, domestic and digital violence, and human trafficking), the numbers have increased compared to the previous year.
The United Nations estimates that more than 35 percent of all women worldwide are victims of sexual or physical violence at least once in their lifetime. In Germany, one in three women has experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in her life. Every day, an offender in Germany attempts to kill a woman, and every second day, a woman is murdered. In about half of the cases, the partner or ex-partner is responsible for these acts.
In addition to physical and sexual violence, psychological and emotional violence also have serious consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies violence as one of the greatest health risks for women.
Therefore, on November 25th, the State Working Group of Municipal Women's Representatives in Saarland also set a visible and clear sign across Saarland saying "No to violence against women." In Saarlouis, Dillingen, Homburg, Neunkirchen, Püttlingen, Völklingen, St. Wendel, St. Ingbert, and the Saarpfalz district, flags, beach flags, and banners on construction fences and bridges highlighted the clear stance of the women's representatives. At the same time, they call for more and better-equipped support services as well as the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, which Germany signed in 2018.
With the support of the NBS, the flags around the Großer Markt were raised. "Violence against women is a disgrace that has no place in our society. With this action, we are sending a clear and visible signal in Saarlouis: attacks on women are attacks on our free and civilized society. It is our duty not only to look but also to act – through education, prevention, and strengthening support services," emphasized Mayor Marc Speicher.
The Saarlouis district also supported the campaign: "The district and the city truly show their colors and set a visible sign outward. We stand behind the campaign and want to bring it to the public!" said Bernd Valentin, Deputy District Administrator of Saarlouis.
The campaign was inspired by the city of Speyer.
