Orange Days: Why the 10 demands of the Istanbul Convention Alliance (BIK) must now be implemented

The Orange Days serve as an annual reminder that violence against women and children is not a marginal phenomenon, but a massive human rights violation. Millions of women in Germany experience domestic or sexual violence. Children, who are always affected, often suffer lifelong consequences. But while buildings illuminated in orange send a visible (and hopeful) message, a crucial question remains: Is Germany truly and fully implementing the Istanbul Convention, the most important European framework for protection?

The Istanbul Convention Alliance , a coalition of women's rights organizations, professional associations, academics, and advocacy groups, has not only published an alternative report but also formulated ten core demands. These clearly outline what needs to change to ensure that women and children are finally effectively protected.

1. Clearly identify violence against women as a human rights violation.

The German government must recognize violence against women and girls not as isolated incidents, but as a structural and human rights problem. This is the basis for consistent political action.

2. A binding overall strategy from the Federal Government

A patchwork of individual measures is not enough. The alliance demands a comprehensive, cross-departmental action plan: Justice, health, education, domestic policy, social policy and migration must work together...in a binding, long-term and financially secure manner.

3. A strong state coordinating body

The Istanbul Convention explicitly requires it: a central body that coordinates measures, ensures quality standards, and makes nationwide progress transparent. Without coordination, there can be no sustainable change.

4. Reliable and gender-sensitive data collection

How many women are affected? How many children? Where are there shortages of shelters? How long are the waiting times for counseling and therapy for victims and perpetrators? Without reliable data, violence remains invisible and political responses remain inadequate.

5. Expansion and safeguarding of protection and support services

Germany has too few women's shelter spaces, too little specialist counseling, and too few trauma-informed services for victims. The alliance demands:

• more shelters,

• Advice centers available around the clock,

• specialized services for victims of sexual violence,

• Secure access regardless of income, residency status or place of residence.

6. Sufficient and sustainable financing

Many women's shelters are struggling to survive. Support organizations shouldn't have to worry about funding every year. The state has a duty to protect women, and that requires stable budgets, adequate staffing, and long-term planning.

7. Accessible and culturally sensitive support

People with disabilities, migrant women, refugee women, single mothers, queer people, or older women often encounter obstacles. Support services must be designed to be accessible to everyone: linguistically, culturally, geographically, and financially.

8. Recognize children as a separate protection group

Children are not merely "victims," but victims of violence themselves. Therefore, the alliance demands:

• dedicated shelters and specialist advice for children,

• Trauma therapy,

• Improved cooperation between youth services, schools, police and courts.

Protection against violence should never be limited to adults.

9. Strengthen prevention and education

Violence prevention begins in schools, daycare centers, clubs, and in public. This includes:

• Education about equality and violence,

• Early violence prevention programs,

• Work with perpetrators to prevent further attacks.

Prevention costs less than intervention – both financially and in terms of human interaction.

10. Independent monitoring and legal development

The state must make itself accountable: through independent monitoring, the review of laws, and effective sanctions for violations. Only in this way can the implementation of the Istanbul Convention be honestly measured.

The number of violent incidents is rising. So are the demands on women's shelters and counseling centers. The voices of those affected make it clear: it's a matter of life and death.

The Orange Days are a powerful symbol, but they must not remain just a symbol. Effectively protecting women and children requires political decisions, structural changes, and a genuine prioritization of the issue. In my view,

Protection from violence is not a luxury, but a human right. If the German government takes its obligations under the Istanbul Convention seriously, the following is needed now:

• an overall strategy,

• stable financing,

• genuine stakeholder participation

• and consistent protection for women and children.

  
  

The Orange Days remind us: Violence is avoidable. Protection is achievable. Change is possible if we demand it loudly and emphatically.