The BKA registered a total of 938 attempted or completed homicides against women and girls, 360 of which were fatal. The majority of these offences occurred in the context of domestic violence. The figures have been rising for years and are only the tip of the iceberg, as the number of unreported offences is large

In order to make the extent of this violence visible, we are planning a photo campaign with Magdalena Gruber in lecture theatre V2 in MG as part of our equality work. Of the 435 seats, 360 will remain empty - each of these seats represents a woman or girl who lost her life to femicide in Germany in 2023. Only 65 seats will be occupied. The emptiness in the room is intended to make the shocking dimension of these figures tangible and clear: Behind every number is a person, a story, a gap that remains.

Why this action?

Femicides are not a marginal phenomenon, but an expression of a structural problem: women are killed because they are women.

The campaign is intended to raise awareness, encourage reflection and set an example against silence. It is an appeal to politicians, society and every individual not to accept violence against women and to stand up for protection, prevention and consistent prosecution.

We will publish the photo on the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November 2025.

Join in, set an example!

The photo will be taken on 25 June 2025 at 12.30 pm in the Audimax V2 in Mönchengladbach in cooperation with University Communications.

All employees and students of the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences are called upon to set an example against violence against women and girls.

We look forward to everyone supporting this campaign. Just come along.