Stalking in Saarland: Urgent need for action for victim protection

Von WOM

in Saarland, the number of stalking cases increasingly increases. According to current reporting, a total of 37 cases of re -placement were registered last year, which corresponds to an increase of around 60 percent compared to 2022. This worrying development is not just a number, but has a serious impact on the life of those affected. The majority of cases go hand in hand with physical violence, which indicates a worrying link between stalking and physical aggression.

The situation is particularly worrying, because about 90 percent of those affected are affected by physical violence. In four cases of the registered stalking incidents, there were even particularly severe forms of the reverberation in which the victims or their relatives were in mortal danger. In order to understand what stalking actually means, you have to know that it is unauthorized images that can significantly impair the life design of those affected, as described in §238 Criminal Code (StGB).

women are the main affected

According to the victim protection organization Weißer Ring, women are particularly affected by Stalking. In recent years, female victims have made up more than 80 percent of the cases. Roland Theis, the state chairman of the White Ring, describes stalking as an everyday life that often flows into physical violence or even homicide. The psychological and social consequences for the victims are serious, which also includes a massive restriction of their quality of life. Many affected people feel forced to avoid their usual places so as not to meet the replica.

The forms of stalking have developed in recent years, especially through digital technologies. Cyberstalking, where the perpetrator bothering or spying on their victims online is a growing problem. This means an increasing burden for those affected, since they can no longer only be pursued in the physical world, but also in digital space. Theis emphasizes that many victims are constantly suffering from this burden.

claims for more protective measures

In view of this dangerous situation, the White Ring demands increased measures to protect the victims. Especially in the case of stalking, it is crucial that existing signs are taken seriously. Among other things, the White Ring strives for the introduction of electronic ankle cuffs to enable better monitoring of perpetrators. An area in which this is already successfully implemented is Spain where the police alarm is automatically disregarded when a ban is disregarded.

In the political landscape, the CDU has also made a move in this direction, but so far its applications have been unsuccessful. For the next state session in December, the parliamentary group has again applied for the introduction of electronic ankle cuffs for violent offenders. Anja Wagner-Scheid, the deputy parliamentary group leader, underlines the need to act quickly in the area of ​​violence.

But what can women do that are affected by stalking and violence? There are different contact points that offer support. The women's emergency call Saarland, for example, is a hotline that offers women in emergencies. In addition, the social service of Catholic women as well as specialized organizations such as Aldona are important contact points for migrants. More information about offers of help in Saarland can be found on the website of Sr.