Street Transitions of Sabine Herb-Stockton: Journey from Courtroom to Cityscape
German Prosecutor and Activist Sabine Krauter-Stockton Continues to Advocate for Women's Rights
Sabine Krauter-Stockton, a prominent German prosecutor, made a striking appearance at a recent demonstration, donning a gray safety vest instead of the traditional black robe. The demonstration, held in the rain, saw two fellow activists shielding Krauter-Stockton with umbrellas emblazoned with the slogan "Grandmas Against the Right."
Krauter-Stockton, known for her work in pursuing cases of domestic and sexualized violence, is a member of the "Grandmas Against the Right" movement, the largest women's movement of the present. This grassroots organization, comprising older women, fights against right-wing extremism, fascism, and promotes democracy and human rights.
In her career, Krauter-Stockton has made significant contributions to the field of sexual criminal law. She has been instrumental in prosecuting sexual offenses and advocating for legal reforms to better protect victims. One such reform she championed was the "Only Yes Means Yes" rule, which unfortunately could not be enforced during the revision of Section 177 StGB in 2016. Instead, the Merkel cabinet settled for the "No Means No" principle.
Krauter-Stockton's dedication to women's rights extends beyond her professional life. She has been a member of the Criminal Law Commission of the German Association of Female Lawyers (DJB) and has served as a member of the GREVIO expert group of the Council of Europe, which deals with the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, a Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
In 2019, Krauter-Stockton was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit for her commitment to women's rights. In 2023, she retired but remains a sought-after expert on sexual criminal law. Her efforts to protect women have been recognised internationally, with 15 European countries now using the "Only Yes Means Yes" rule preferred by Krauter-Stockton.
Krauter-Stockton's work has not gone uncontested. During the Saarland elections in 2023, she faced off against Friedrich Merz, a prominent political figure. Despite this, Krauter-Stockton's influence continues, with the Saarland Bar Association honoring her European efforts to protect women with the Trailblazer Award in 2023.
Krauter-Stockton's activism, combined with her expertise as a prosecutor, has made her a notable figure in pushing forward both legal and social advancements in combating sexual violence and defending democratic, inclusive values in Germany. Her work serves as a testament to the power of activism and the importance of advocating for the rights of women and marginalized groups.
Sabine Krauter-Stockton, despite retiring in 2023, continues to influence the general-news landscape with her work on sexual criminal law and advocacy for women's rights. Her activism, rooted in politics, has also extended to lifestyle choices, such as her involvement with the "Grandmas Against the Right" movement, a grassroots organization advocating for democracy and human rights.
