German Lawmakers Debate Urgent Domestic Violence Support Bill

The proposed legislation aims to expand women's shelters and ensure a legal right to protection, but political divisions and time constraints may delay its passage.

• The Bundestag is debating a bill proposed by the SPD and Greens to address the critical shortage of women's shelter spaces in Germany, where demand far exceeds availability.
• The legislation would establish a legal right to free shelter and counseling for victims of domestic violence, with €2.6 billion in federal funding allocated through 2036.
• Opposition parties, including the CDU/CSU, have raised concerns about the bill's scope and called for additional measures, such as electronic monitoring of offenders and anti-violence training programs.
• Delays in the bill's introduction have been attributed to disagreements within the previous governing coalition, with former Finance Minister Christian Lindner criticized for not prioritizing funding for the initiative.
• Experts and advocates warn that postponing the law could result in further harm, with 2023 data showing 360 femicides and thousands of women turned away from shelters due to lack of space.

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