Hesse launches dedicated unit to combat street harassment and catcalling
Hesse has taken a firm step against street harassment by setting up a dedicated unit to tackle catcalling. The new role, based at the Frankfurt Public Prosecutor General’s Office, aims to address the gap in German law where verbal abuse often goes unpunished. Senior Public Prosecutor Marion Denny will lead the initiative as part of a wider women’s safety package approved last November.
Currently, German criminal law does not recognize catcalling or wolf-whistling as a standalone offense. Victims can only pursue legal action if the behavior meets stricter criteria, such as insult, coercion, or threats. Many reported cases end without consequences due to these legal limits.
The new unit will monitor legal developments, act as a central point of contact, and coordinate how complaints are handled. Alongside enforcement, the initiative includes prevention and public awareness campaigns to reduce street harassment. The Social Democrats have pushed for broader changes, proposing that crude catcalls and wolf-whistling—even without physical contact—should become criminal offenses, punishable by up to a year in prison. However, no major party has yet backed this specific reform. The Ministry of Justice expects an initial review of the unit’s progress by mid-2026.
The appointment of Denny marks a direct response to the lack of legal protections against verbal harassment. While prosecution remains limited to severe cases, the unit’s creation signals a shift in how authorities address street harassment. The state government’s broader safety package aims to improve both enforcement and public awareness over the coming years.
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