Berlin CDU to Strengthen Protection for Women Against Digital Violence
Berlin, March 28, 2026 – The Berlin Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has announced a new package of measures aimed at adapting the fight against violence against women to new realities, particularly addressing challenges in the digital space. This initiative follows a resolution passed by the Berlin State Board on Friday evening, which was made available to the Berliner Morgenpost.
Kai Wegner, Berlin’s Governing Mayor and state chairman of the Berlin CDU, commented on the resolution, stating, “It is not the victims of violence who should be ashamed, but the perpetrators. We want to consistently combat and effectively prevent violence against women. To achieve this, we will further strengthen prevention, expand protection structures, and hold perpetrators consistently accountable. We need a broad societal debate on this – especially among us men.”
Rising Case Numbers and the Fernandes Case
The new CDU resolution highlights that case numbers are increasing, and the dark figure remains significant. Existing measures must be further developed and supplemented. Berlin needs to expand its strategies for combating digital violence and broaden existing counseling and support services. Special attention is to be given to new forms of psychological violence in the digital sphere, which must also be effectively covered by criminal law. Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) is currently preparing a corresponding law.
The issue has dominated political debate for days, triggered by serious allegations made by moderator and actress Collien Fernandes against her ex-partner, actor Christian Ulmen. The “Spiegel” was the first to report on these allegations. Fernandes accuses Ulmen of creating fake profiles in her name and disseminating pornographic content through them. Across Germany, people are taking to the streets in solidarity with Fernandes. Ulmen is presumed innocent, and his lawyer has announced legal action against the “Spiegel’s” reporting.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), referring to the current discussion in the Bundestag, stated that violence in Germany is exploding, both analog and digital. He added, however, that it is important to note that a “considerable part” of this violence comes from the group of immigrants. The Berlin CDU’s paper also addresses this connection, stating that violence against women is “a societal problem.” Regardless of origin or residence status, every perpetrator must face the full consequences of the rule of law. The resolution concludes with the demand that for perpetrators subject to deportation, all existing legal options for terminating their residency must be consistently utilized.
Comprehensive Measures: Digital and Analog Protection
In addition to a stronger focus on digital violence, the Berlin CDU is also addressing analog measures. These include:
- Improved lighting in public spaces.
- Increased police presence.
- Enhanced safety concepts in public transport.
- Greater consideration for crime prevention in the design of public spaces (e.g., parks and facilities).
- Regular dark field studies to better understand unreported crime.
- Expansion of women’s shelters, protected housing, counseling centers, and support services.
Furthermore, in light of an alleged rape case in a Neukölln youth club, the Berlin CDU demands that employees of youth facilities be mandatorily obliged to contact the police and file a complaint in cases of particularly serious crimes.
The Berlin CDU’s comprehensive approach aims to create a safer environment for women, both online and offline, and to hold perpetrators accountable while fostering a broader societal discussion on the issue of violence against women.
