Germany Marks 20 Years Since Hatun Sürücü's Murder Amid Rising Femicide Awareness

The anniversary of Sürücü's death highlights ongoing gender-based violence and systemic challenges in addressing femicides nationwide.

Hatun Sürücü, a 23-year-old woman, was murdered by her brother in 2005 for choosing a self-determined lifestyle, sparking a national conversation on 'honor killings' and patriarchal norms.
Recent statistics show that in 2023, 938 women in Germany were victims of attempted or completed femicides, with 360 losing their lives.
Gedenkveranstaltungen (memorial events) in Berlin this week emphasized the need for expanded support systems, including more women’s shelters and counseling services.
Critics argue that debates around 'honor killings' often racialize the issue, ignoring the broader prevalence of gender-based violence across all communities in Germany.
New legislation, including a proposed Gewalthilfegesetz (Violence Assistance Act), aims to provide universal access to shelters and counseling, with a planned €2.6 billion in funding over the next decade.