# Domestic violence protection measures in Hessen and Germany

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/domestic-violence-protection-measures-in-hessen
> Updated: 2026-10-04T21:00:00.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

The German state of Hessen is expanding its efforts to combat domestic and gender-based violence through technological, financial, and legislative measures.

Initial efforts focused on studying electronic monitoring systems used in Spain, which utilize ankle monitors for aggressors and mobile trackers for victims to alert authorities if contact-prohibition zones are breached. Hessen also committed to significantly increasing funding for women’s shelters, with the state set to assume full financial responsibility for the women’s aid system by 2027. Projected funding is expected to rise from 10.4 million euros to approximately 30 million euros in 2027.

Building on these regional efforts, Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has introduced a draft law to address legal and financial hurdles for victims nationwide. The proposal aims to facilitate easier spatial separation by allowing victims to exit joint rental agreements without the perpetrator's consent. Under this legislation, victims could claim that perpetrators cover rental costs, utilities, and potential damages incurred after the victim has moved out.

The reform also seeks to expand legal protections to include the victim's dependents, such as children or elderly relatives. Family courts would be empowered to issue contact and restraining orders for these individuals automatically, without requiring a separate application. This legislative push follows reports of rising domestic violence in Germany, which saw a record high of approximately 266,000 reported victims in 2024.

## Claims

- German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig aims to make it easier for victims of domestic violence to lead safe, independent lives. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- A new draft law proposes allowing victims of domestic violence to exit joint rental agreements more easily. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The draft law would allow victims to claim that perpetrators cover costs arising from the rental agreement after the victim moves out, such as apartment damages or remaining rent. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The proposal includes expanded protection for children and relatives of domestic violence victims. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Family courts would be empowered to order protection measures for dependent persons without a separate application. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Germany proposes new protections for domestic violence victims

German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has proposed a law to help domestic violence victims exit joint rental agreements more easily and secure expanded legal protections for their dependents.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stefanie-hubig-proposes-new-protections-for-domestic-violence-victims

### 2026-09-22: Hessen expands protections against domestic violence

Hessen is expanding protections against domestic violence by studying Spain's electronic monitoring systems and significantly increasing funding for women's shelters to over 30 million euros.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hessen-expands-protections-against-domestic-violence

---
Cite as: Domestic violence protection measures in Hessen and Germany. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/domestic-violence-protection-measures-in-hessen