German Justice System Struggles with Digital Violence Cases, Victims Report Inadequate Response

Collien Fernandes and Theresia Crone discussed their experiences with digital violence on a television program, highlighting systemic failures in Germany's justice system. Fernandes reported filing a police complaint in Berlin regarding a fake LinkedIn profile, only to learn the case had been transferred to Schleswig-Holstein without her knowledge. Authorities there claimed unawareness, and the Itzehoe public prosecutor's office eventually dropped the investigation due to lack of documentation and leads. Fernandes described this as typical for digital violence cases. She also recounted meeting a group of schoolgirls, including a 14-year-old victim, who were told by police that going online meant accepting risks; their case was dismissed as minor. Crone, a 23-year-old law student, became a victim of AI-generated deepfakes and noted she is the only known case in Germany where perpetrators faced penalties for such material, calling it a coincidence rather than a success story. Both women emphasized that victims often feel unheard, with only 2.4% of digital violence incidents reported, revealing significant underreporting and lack of trust in legal institutions.