Sexual harassment is no longer a marginal issue—neither in the workplace nor in public spaces. A recent study highlights significant shortcomings in the legal protection of victims in Germany compared to other European countries. When analyzing statistical data, it is also crucial to acknowledge that women are the primary targets of migrants in Germany.

A federal anti-discrimination office investigation, made available to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), compares the legal protective mechanisms against sexual harassment across EU member states. The findings are disheartening for Germany: no other examined country has stricter legal regulations, according to Exxpress.

The study criticizes that German criminal law only considers physical sexual harassment. Consequently, verbal harassment, obscene remarks, or the presentation of unsolicited pornographic content are fundamentally not punishable.

Protection is almost exclusively related to workplace harassment

Although the General Equal Treatment Act explicitly defines sexual harassment and provides compensation claims for those affected, this protection is largely limited to workplace harassment.

Outside of this framework, such as in everyday life, in services, or in private relationships, there is often a lack of clear legal basis. The expert opinion notes that in all other EU member states participating in the survey, sexual harassment is explicitly prohibited in both civil and employment law.

In Germany, however, those affected often find themselves almost defenseless if harassment occurs, for instance, by a landlord, a driving instructor, or within the context of courses and leisure programs. The expert opinion clearly states: Germany ranks last in European comparison.

In light of these findings, the federal anti-discrimination commissioner and the head of the anti-discrimination office are calling for urgent action. The current situation is unacceptable for those affected. They reference the proposed reform of the General Equal Treatment Act and demand that protection against sexual harassment be explicitly extended to areas such as the housing market, gyms, and driving schools.

Sexuelle Belästigung ist kein Randphänomen mehr– weder im Arbeitsleben noch im öffentlichen Raum. https://t.co/2Dg8M43dFe pic.twitter.com/IoGz0bVtVB

— exxpress (@exxpressat) February 4, 2026

Women are the primary targets of migrants

Since the onset of the migration crisis in 2015, women in Germany have not been safe.

Between 2015 and 2024, at least 7,000 women became victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by refugees in Germany.

The offenders are predominantly young men from Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Most statistics indicate that the perpetrators of crimes against women primarily come from Muslim-majority countries.

The statistical data is also telling: in 2024, 788 cases of gang rape were registered in Germany. The suspects are mainly German, Syrian, Turkish, and Afghan nationals. In previous years, a relatively high proportion of foreign nationals were also among the perpetrators of gang rape crimes.

Several studies conducted in various German cities confirm that women, out of fear, avoid public transport, underpasses, or parks at night.