BERLIN, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- The number of reported acts of violence among couples and ex-partners in Germany rose more sharply during the COVID-19 crisis year 2020 than in previous years, the Ministry for Family Affairs (BMFSFJ) announced on Tuesday.
Authorities registered 146,655 cases of domestic violence nationwide last year, an increase of 4.9 percent on the previous year, according to data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).
"The judiciary must pursue these acts with great determination against the perpetrators and with sensitivity for the victims," said Minister of Family Affairs Christine Lambrecht. "We must do everything we can to help those affected so they can escape the violence and protect themselves and their children."
According to the BKA data, the majority of cases of domestic violence continued to be perpetrated by men. However, the share of female suspects has risen slightly in recent years, reaching 20.9 percent.
Violence between partners in Germany may have increased during COVID-19 lockdowns because these situations "made it harder for victims to report and harder for outsiders to notice acts of violence in their environment," the BMFSFJ noted.
According to the ministry, the number of women contacting the national "Violence against Women" hotline increased significantly during COVID-19 lockdowns. Last year, a total of 51,000 calls were registered, around 15 percent more than the previous year.
"No perpetrator should feel safe from prosecution," BKA President Holger Muench said, calling on citizens to be "vigilant, pay attention to those around you and contact counseling centers or the police if you have any suspicions." Enditem
