Shock judgment: probation for brutal genital mutilation in Leutkirch!

Shock judgment: probation for brutal genital mutilation in Leutkirch!

A 26-year-old man recently sentenced the district court of Ravensburg to be subject to probation for the mutilation of the labia of his partner and the armed drug trade. The mutilating crime took place in autumn 2021 in the accused's apartment in Leutkirch in Allgäu. This decision makes a highlight of the dark and often taboo practice of female genital mutilation, which can be observed not only in other parts of the world, but also in Germany.

The court found that the initiative for circumcision was out of the woman. However, this suffered from a mental illness that prevented it from grasping the scope of her wish. The woman felt "impure" due to past abuses and asked her partner for mutilation. In a ritual ceremony that took place as part of a dubious bond between the two, the woman was supposedly tied up and stunned naked on the bed. Parts of their clitoris and labia were cut off with razor blades, which led to persistent pain in the genital area.

consequences and legal decisions

The court recognized the severity of the deed and addressed the woman a pain and suffering of 8,000 euros. In addition, in addition to his suspended sentence, the accused must pay 2,000 euros to the Terre des Femmes organization, which is committed to protecting women and against genital mutilation. He has already passed several therapies and shows commitment to addiction aid, which the court took into account.

The mutilation itself was carried out under the guise of a "marriage agreement" in which the woman was obliged to obey the man, with the threat of serious consequences in a supposed adultery. Such a drastic measure illustrates the structures that act in the background and the need for greater protection for women and girls against such violence.

the social context

The incidents also make a light on a widespread but often concealed problem in Germany: the female genital mutilation. According to Frauenrechte.de, estimates are often inaccurate in Germany. Dark field studies are necessary to get a clearer picture. Despite the aversion of society to speak openly about this topic, it is essential that political and social measures are taken to protect affected women and girls.

There is an example, for example, that 1000 women and girls from a certain country of origin in Germany are assumed to be a number of 45 %, which significantly increases the number of potentially endangered women. The protection of girls and the support for women must also be promoted by education and sensitization in society.

The process in Ravensburg was largely managed to exclude the sensitivity of the topic and shows how important it is to discuss and clarify such topics transparently. The judgment is not yet final because the accused waived appeals.