Unveiling the New Support Hubs for Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking in Saxony
Starting December, every district and independent city in the beautiful Saxony, Germany, will be graced with an intervention and coordination center for domestic violence and stalking (IKS). This final missing piece is set to be unveiled on December 1 in Plauen, Vogtland district, as announced by Christina Wittich from the Ministry of Justice. The new center in Plauen marks the 13th facility in the Free State, securing its reach in every nook and corner of Saxony.
These centers are designed to bolster the support system for individuals grappling with domestic violence and their children. Besides counseling, they offer training courses to help those affected navigate the challenges ahead.
Justice Minister Katja Meier (Greens) underscores the necessity of intensifying efforts against violence protection, stressing that "protection against violence is not a 'nice to have.' Comprehensive investment in expanding violence protection work in Saxony must be a matter of course." By consistently beefing up these protective measures, they aim to ensure long-term, substantial aid.
Last year, Saxony witnessed over 8,800 cases of domestic violence reported to the police, amounting to an alarming 10% surge compared to 2021. The opening of ICS in all independent cities and districts of Saxony was one of the objectives outlined in the state government's coalition agreement.
Given the escalating crime rates associated with domestic violence, taking decisive steps to bolster resources and support systems has become paramount. The addition of ICS for domestic violence and stalking is no exception.
Although the specific effectiveness of these centers in reducing domestic violence cases in Saxony is not extensively documented, the broader national landscape of dealing with domestic violence sheds some light on the potential impact. Germany has been actively tackling this issue, with research and programs focused on reducing incidences. For instance, a study conducted by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony found that 5.4% of women in Germany experience domestic violence throughout their lives [2]. The government has also launched awareness campaigns to educate the public on risks associated with multiple partners or substance abuse.
Furthermore, multi-agency collaboration is deemed crucial in combating domestic abuse effectively, as emphasized by the Domestic Abuse Conference 2025. These efforts emphasize the need for tailored services and all-encompassing care for victims [1].
While Saxony-specific data on the effectiveness of ICS centers remains scarce, it's reasonable to hope that these centers could contribute to a downward trend in domestic violence incidences. After all, a comprehensive, cohesive campaign to protect individuals from violence is the ideal foundation for constructing a safer society.
Sources:
[1] Domestic Abuse Conference 2025:
[2] Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony: [https://www.fkas.de/de/home][2]
