According to reports from the Funke media group, German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has presented a draft law that would allow victims of violence to divorce more quickly. Currently, marriages generally require a one-year separation period before divorce; an earlier divorce is only possible in cases of “unreasonable hardship.” The draft now specifies when such hardship exists.
“Anyone who experiences violence from their partner must be able to divorce without waiting for the separation year to expire,” Hubig said. Unreasonable hardship exists if a spouse or a child living with them has been intentionally and unlawfully injured in body, health, freedom, or sexual self-determination. In addition, those affected should be able to better keep their place of residence confidential during family court proceedings to avoid further endangerment.
“Violence in the family is not a private problem,” Hubig emphasized. The state must provide protection, and family courts play a key role in this. The draft provides that proceedings can also be conducted at the child’s former place of residence to prevent conclusions about the current address.
Source: www.zeit.de
