Gewaltforschung zum Thema „häusliche Gewalt“ aus kriminologischer Sicht

Domestic violence continues to be a subject of public interest and media presence, especially when it involves spectacular cases ranging from abuse of children to fatal violence in the family. Although domestic violence has been the subject of scientific research for the last three decades, there is still no clear evidence of prevalence and etiology of this particular kind of violence. Since the introduction of the German Violence Protection Act which came into force in January 2002, domestic violence has been met with severe societal and legal sanctions. The consequences for culprits are not only theoretical but also include an increase in criminal proceedings and improved civil court protection. Therefore medical staff, particularly legal medicine, is more than ever confronted with the need to standardize documentation of injuries resulting from domestic violence. In addition, legal medical specialists are often confronted with the victims’ personal and social problems. This paper gives an insight into the historical background and recent law reforms which have created legal sanctions and protection against domestic violence.