Since January 1, 2002, the Gewaltschutzgesetz (Violence Protection Act) allows the police to expel violent partners from the shared home. If a woman has no independent right of residence, the record of police action can be invoked as evidence of her particular hardship.
As a rule, spouses must have lived in Germany together with their married partner for at least two years in order to be granted an independent right of residence.
This unbalanced situation for married couples prevents partnerships from developing, therefore we demand that married migrants receive an independent right of residence immediately after their marriage.
For refugee women living in violent relationships, the residence obligation (§ 56 Asylum Procedures Act and § 61 Residence Act) presents a major obstacle for safe accommodation.
Illegal refugee women are particularly vulnerable - they can not readily turn to the police or authorities if they need protection from violence.
Any type of violence against women should be outlawed and adequate protection and assistance for affected women must be ensured.
In the case of domestic violence, the brochure by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Youth and Family, "Mehr Schutz” (More Protection), is recommended as information for women who want to end their violent relationships. www.bmfsfj.de/Kategorien/Publikationen/Publikationen,did=4978.html
