Asha Hedayati Discusses Structural Causes of Gender-Based Violence in 2024 Book

In an interview, lawyer Asha Hedayati addresses the persistent issue of gender-based violence against women, arguing that legal measures alone are insufficient without broader societal change. Hedayati's 2024 publication "Die stille Gewalt. Wie der Staat Frauen alleinlässt" (Rowohlt Verlag) examines systemic shortcomings in state institutions that hinder comprehensive protection. She identifies police, family courts, and youth welfare offices as inadequately trained to handle such cases. Recent research from the Federal Ministry for Women confirms widespread violence, with nearly one in six individuals experiencing physical abuse in relationships and 95% of incidents going unreported. Hedayati notes these findings are unsurprising given deep-rooted structural problems. She emphasizes that ending gender-based violence requires both institutional reform and a shift in societal attitudes, moving beyond legislative solutions to address underlying causes.