Diana from Torgelow is fighting stalking: punishments too short?

Diana from Torgelow is fighting stalking: punishments too short?

Torgelow, Deutschland - The painful experiences of Diana from Torgelow show how impressive and dangerous stalking can be. Since the separation from her ex-boyfriend Ingo S. in 2019, he has been persecuted, harassed and even threatened. It all started with isolation from the outside world, followed by physical violence. Diana took her courage and documented these attacks in a stalking diary. This was the first step towards her legal protection, including a ban on contact and approach that she could obtain. But the way back to a carefree life is rocky, and the punishment for Ingo, which was sentenced to two years and two months in prison for his deeds in February 2025, Diana is far too neglected. It demands loudly stricter laws against stalking, which better take into account the severity of the deeds.

Stalking is regulated in the German Criminal Code under § 238 and can be punished with up to three years of imprisonment or fine. The police crime statistics from 2024 show an increase in stalking cases in Germany by around seven percent. Especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Ricarda Menzlin from the intervention center for domestic violence reports on an increase in this attack. The difficulties in dealing with these violent relationships are not only stressful for those affected. Lawyer Antje Krins also points out that the interests of the victims are often not taken into account in court proceedings. She advocates more training courses for police officers so that they can better respond to the needs of the victims.

legal steps and self -protection

Diana is not alone in her fight. Experts advise those affected to have a stalking diary and have injuries documented by a doctor. In this way, your own experiences can be better demonstrated. There has been a specific criminal offense for stalking in Germany since 2007. Section 238 punishes unauthorized and persistent re-enforcement, which now also includes stalking acts without proven impairment of life design. If you are in such a situation, you should definitely take legal support. In the event of legal steps, it is important to act quickly, since a criminal complaint must be made for many offenses within three months of the crime.

In addition, the Violence Protection Act (GEWSchG) regulates measures to protect against physical violence and stalking. These can include an approximation ban for the perpetrator or a ban on contact that must be requested from the responsible family court. Violations of these judicial orders are also punishable. The legal means are important in order to defend themselves against the harassment and to win quieter days.

Diana, a model for other affected people

Due to her painful experiences, Diana has gained self -confidence and wants to encourage other people affected to defend themselves and raise their voice. Your approach is clear: only those who are actively fight back and document the circumstances can get the Tier stalking under control. The support from women's advice centers can help to establish contacts with lawyers and to clarify the next steps. Together to send a sign against the indifference of society towards these events is Diana's wish. Because stalking is not just a personal problem, it affects all of us - and everyone can do something about it.

Further information on legal steps against Stalking can be found here: Frauen-ge-gewalt.de . In addition, ZDF today also extensive reports on the topic.