Germany

March 2020 saw the instalment of Federal lockdown ordinances, social distancing and quarantine regulations. While reports about the development of DV case numbers differed between the Länder (Federal States), massive increases were not observed. Partly, there was stagnation or even decreasing numbers, which also held true for the number of restraining orders. Police Berlin data reveal a more detailed and differentiated overview of reported DV occurrence during the lockdown. More reports were filed but did not result in criminal charges. This chapter presents deliberations about the quality of registered police data and suggests a cautious interpretation of the numbers. Throughout, victim services reported increased demand during the lockdown period. Shelter and health services reported variations and partly increased demand of their services. Survey data point at mild increases of reported DV victimisation and list the factors for such an increase in the use of services and hotlines, and alarm code reporting. Media coverage dealt with the initial expectations voiced by experts and activists that the lockdowns would substantially increase the risks of DV victimisation. This chapter closes with a description of police programs and presents a summary analysis of interviews with police DV specialists.