Talk Show: There is no safe life for women

The past few weeks have been filled with news stories about misogynistic violence and femicide, and each time it has delivered a sad confirmation that women’s lives are still worth less.

At the end of August, a man stabbed his 36-year-old ex-wife to death in Berlin-Zehlendorf. Photo: Fabian Sommer/dpa

at Carolina Black

The past few weeks have not been good for women. In fact, every time she looks at her phone, she gets a new piece of terrible news. And every time, she gives us the assurance that her life is not safe.

In Kenya, Olympic track and field athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was set ablaze in her home on September 1 by her ex-boyfriend after being doused with petrol. Neighbors found her burning and rushed her to a nearby hospital, but were unable to stop the femicide. The 33-year-old Ugandan died from her burns a few days later.

In France, a few days ago, the public learned about the crimes, which took place several years ago. For nine years, Giselle P. was drugged by her husband and raped by him or offered to rape by strangers. The police have about 200 videos showing these rapes. In 92 cases, strange men were said to be the perpetrators. They are plumbers, journalists, businessmen, drivers, husbands and fathers. The ex-husband, Dominique P., confessed, but only a few of the other men have confessed.

Gisèle P. was unconscious during the act and knew nothing about the brutal sexual assault for years. She only found out through a police investigation and now wants the world to know. That’s why the Avignon trial will not be held in private, and the 72-year-old grandmother will appear before the cameras, with her name and face. “I speak for all the women who are addicted to drugs and don’t know it,” she said. “I do this for all the women who don’t know anything.”

At the end of August, a woman was stabbed to death by her ex-husband in Berlin-Zehlendorf. She had been subject to several domestic violence incidents in the past years, and the woman was reportedly subject to a violence protection order and a restraining order. As it turns out, neither of these are sufficient protections. An arrest warrant has been issued for the perpetrator on suspicion of murder with “vile motives.”

Just two days later, in Berlin-Lichtenberg, another woman was stabbed in the hallway of her apartment. This time the suspect was also her former partner. And again, domestic violence had already occurred. Just listing these four international and national cases shows how urgent the issue of violence against women is. And this is only a small part of what happens every day. There are so many punches, kicks, rapes and murders that no one notices. In Germany, a woman is now murdered almost every day by her (former) partner.

But the case also shows how inactive politicians are. The solution to combating violence against women has long been known. Preventing violence requires intensive preventive work on perpetrators. A roundtable of experts on countering violence and providing adequate shelter for those affected by violence.

Women’s poverty must be eradicated and affordable housing must be provided. The fact that so little has happened here in recent years is simply due to a lack of political will. Violence against women is a part of everyday life, so many people have simply accepted the current brutality. In Germany, most of the killings of women are followed by no response, and in some cases empty promises. This is still the case today.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz remained silent. Berlin judge Pelor Baden-Wurttemberg (CDU) senator urged perpetrators to use electronic ankle bracelets. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus (Greens) promised at least to prepare legislation to help with violence. It remains to be seen whether the necessary funds will ultimately be available. In the past, they were always missing.

It hasn’t been a good few weeks for women. It hasn’t been a good life for women. And I wish it were different.