A crime spree in the family: A crime story about violence and desperation

A crime spree in the family: A crime story about violence and desperation

In a moving crime film from 1985, which can be seen today on ARD Mediathek, the dark topic of domestic violence is impressively addressed. The film, in which master butcher Hermann Gruber harasses his family and has escalating conflicts with relatives in the restaurant after his father's death, dramatically shows the disastrous consequences of such family violence. A large portion of alcohol leads to Gruber not only endangering his own family in a killing spree, but also turning the image of family conflicts into the absurd. The frightening topics are still very topical, like ARD Media library.

But what is really behind this phenomenon of domestic violence? According to a comprehensive definition, domestic violence includes physical, sexual and psychological violence within family and partner relationships. This violence occurs both in the common household and in current or former relationships and can be divided into two main forms: violence between partners and violence within the family, which is often characterized by abuse of power and emotional bonds. Over the years, the term “domestic violence” has evolved, which originally referred to “paternal violence” and now describes a widespread phenomenon that exists in many countries, according to information from Wikipedia.

The alarming statistics

The problem is not minor, as the current police figures show. Every two minutes in Germany someone becomes a victim of domestic violence. In 2024, 265,942 people were victims of physical, sexual or psychological violence by partners or relatives - which represents an increase of around 4 percent compared to the previous year. The majority of victims, around 73 percent, are women, while the perpetrators are predominantly male. The trend is alarming: in the last five years, the number of cases of domestic violence has increased by almost 14 percent. One reason could be the increased willingness to report crimes or the increasing willingness to use violence in society, reported the Tagesschau.

• Über 171.100 Fälle von Partnergewalt 2024 registriert.
• Mehr als die Hälfte der Taten sind Körperverletzungen.
• Ein Viertel betrifft Bedrohungen, Nötigungen oder Stalking.

Another worrying detail is that in Germany between 120 and 150 women die every year due to intimate partner violence. The Federal Ministry of Justice is planning measures such as electronic ankle bracelets for violent criminals in order to increase the safety of victims and give them legal protection. Authorities are also working to improve offers of help and advice centers for those affected. From January 1, 2032, victims also have a legal right to free protection and advice.

Social changes and outlook

It is hoped that increased preventative measures and sensitization of society will raise awareness of this social problem. Politicians of all stripes are calling for more education and reforms in dealing with domestic violence. Here it is important to show a good hand in order to prevent these recurring tragedies. The everyday stories, like those in crime novels, are not just fiction, but reflect a frightening reality that urgently needs to be addressed in Cologne and elsewhere.

Given the shocking statistics and current debates, the issue of domestic violence is not just a point on the political agenda, but affects each and every one of us. Awareness and commitment are required to effectively combat this form of violence.