Women's shelter statistics 2024: Still too few shelter places

Shelter places are still not enough

The latest women's shelter statistics show that the extent of gender-based violence remains high. In 2024, 189 of around 400 women's shelters took part in the survey. A total of 6,477 women and 7,224 children sought protection there. Extrapolated nationwide, that is around 13,700 women and 15,300 children. 70 % of the women had children, and almost 90 % of the children accommodated in the women's shelter were under 12 years old. Violence in partnerships therefore usually also affects children.

The demand for shelter places clearly exceeds the supply: instead of the approximately 7,800 places available, around 19,900 would be required in accordance with the Istanbul Convention. The violence is mainly perpetrated by (ex-)partners or male relatives. Nevertheless, 44% of the women affected refrain from taking legal action, often due to a lack of financial resources or a lack of trust in institutions.

Migration & poverty increase the risk

Migration and poverty also increase the risk and make access to protection more difficult: over two thirds of women were not born in Germany and over 80% of them do not have a secure residence permit. School and vocational qualifications and employment are often not available, and there is often a lack of social networks. In 2024, one in four women had to finance all or part of their stay themselves, despite acute danger, and around 14% returned to the violent situation due to a lack of alternatives.

Supra-regional accommodations & rejections

Supra-regional accommodation is increasing, but is often not financially secure. There is still a lack of data on rejected persons and their whereabouts for needs-based planning. Germany is obliged to expand protection services. Women's shelters remain indispensable. Every woman and every child has a right to a life free from violence.