Digital violence in relationships: Not an isolated case, not a private problem

It takes courage to speak publicly about experiences of violence. Actress and presenter Collien Fernandes has taken this step: In a Spiegel article She describes how her ex-husband allegedly created fake profiles of her and spread deepfake content – ​​furthermore, he is also alleged to have been physically violent towards her. 

The Women's Shelter Coordination Association (FHK) is impressed by Collien Fernandes' courage in speaking publicly about it – and takes the case as an opportunity to draw attention to the widespread but still underestimated problem of digital (ex-)partner violence. 

Digital (ex-)partner violence is not an exception

What Collien Fernandes describes – the creation of fake profiles, impersonating another person, and distributing intimate deepfake content without consent – ​​are forms of digital (ex-)partner violence that many victims in women's shelters are also familiar with. Other forms include, for example Spying on devices, tracking and monitoring, or threats via social media.

The experience of Frauenhauskoordinierung eV (FHK) shows: 

Individual or multiple forms of digital violence do not occur in exceptional cases but in most cases of (ex-)partner violence – alongside other forms of violence such as physical, financial or sexualized violence.

However, very few affected women file a complaint – as shown by the recently published report. LeSuBiA dark field study. 

Structures are lacking – legislation is needed.

Therefore, an effective law against digital violence is urgently needed. The German government announced such a law in its coalition agreement – ​​Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig intends to introduce it this spring. present a first draft. 

Regarding the draft discussion paper already submitted by the Federal Government, FHK a detailed statement presented and formulated clear requirements therein: A digital Violence Protection Act Digital (ex-)partner violence must be explicitly addressed – with concrete protective measures for victims, clear obligations for platform operators – such as deleting illegal content – ​​and low-threshold access to counseling. Law enforcement agencies must also be sensitized to the issue.

The case of Collien Fernandes shows that digital violence can affect anyone – and it is rarely the only form of violence in a relationship. Those who want to protect victims must take action – politically, structurally, and socially.

FHK states in the recently published report “Digital (ex-)partner violence: closing dangerous protection gaps in the support system“Recommendations on how to sustainably develop structural measures against digital violence.”