Germany to classify date rape drugs as weapons in attempt to ensure justice for survivors

"Germany plans to treat the use of date rape drugs like the use of a weapon in prosecutions as part of measures to ensure justice for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. We classify date rape drugs, which are increasingly used as a widespread tool in crimes, as weapons. This creates the basis for significantly stricter prosecutions, , Alexander Dobrindt, the interior minister, said on Friday. We are committed to clear consequences and consistent enforcement."

"Nearly 54,000 women and girls were the victims of sexual offences in Germany in 2024 an increase of 2.1% on the previous year of which nearly 36% were victims of rape and sexual assault. A parliamentary debate over a bill calling for a mandatory minimum five-year prison sentence for the use of date rape drugs in sexual assaults was postponed last month. Police last year registered a record high of almost 266,000 domestic violence victims, a 3.8% increase on the previous year."

"However, there were a high number of unreported cases, the head of the federal criminal police office, Holger Munch, said. We must work to ensure that more victims find the courage to report crimes in order to improve the protection and support for victims, he added. Although there is no uniform federal definition for femicide in Germany, nearly 1,200 women and girls were recorded as victims of homicide or attempted homicide in 2024, a slight decrease year on year."

The government will treat use of date rape drugs like the use of a weapon in prosecutions, classifying such substances as weapons to enable significantly stricter prosecutions and enforcement. Prosecutorial changes aim to increase legal consequences and improve safety for women and girls. Domestic sexual offences rose in 2024, with nearly 54,000 victims and almost 36% involving rape and sexual assault. Police recorded almost 266,000 domestic violence victims, while many incidents remained unreported. A draft law will allow electronic ankle monitors for perpetrators and wearable warning devices for victims. Funding is secured for a national app to secretly document abuse for later court use.

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