Monheim Femicide: Husband Confesses to Fatma's Murder – He Smothered Her Because She Wanted a Divorce
Hearing this story just takes your breath away. At the Düsseldorf Regional Court, a 43-year-old man from Monheim has confessed to killing his own wife. Fatma (38) wanted a divorce – and for that, he murdered her. He smothered her with a pillow while she was asleep. Treacherous homicide, according to the public prosecutor's office. Another case of femicide, where a woman had to die simply because she was a woman and wanted to leave.
They met years ago in Turkey, and Fatma moved to Germany for him. But what once was love eventually turned into a living hell. In the months leading up to the act, things had completely fallen apart. Fatma wanted out, wanted to leave him, start fresh. "She said multiple times that she would file for divorce," the accused told the court in a quiet, thin voice. It seems that's something he just couldn't handle. Add to that constant arguments about money – their finances were a complete mess. The evening it happened, there was another blow-up. When Fatma was asleep, he simply took a pillow and held it down until she suffocated.
Stories like this really get to you. But unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. Every year in Germany, hundreds of women are killed or severely injured by their husbands or ex-partners. Femicide is a worldwide problem that doesn't stop at any border. In Latin America, for instance, the term is widely discussed because the numbers there are staggeringly high. But it also happens here, behind closed doors – in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms. We just often label it a "family tragedy" or a "relationship crime." Pure minimization. A femicide isn't a tragedy; it's simply murder.
The neighbours in Monheim are completely shaken up. "Fatma was such a nice woman, always greeted you and smiled," says an older woman from next door. "We never heard anything, never any screaming. It's just unbelievable." And that's exactly the insidious nature of such acts: they happen silently, behind closed doors. Fatma didn't confide in anyone, didn't seek help – maybe because she thought things would get better. Or maybe because she was ashamed. But her case shows: when a woman wants a divorce, it can be life-threatening. Statistically, the period of separation is the most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship.
What can we learn from this? Just shaking our heads isn't enough. As a society, we need to rethink things and, most importantly, offer help. Experts keep telling us:
- Take early warning signs seriously: Controlling behaviour, jealousy, putting a woman down – these are often the first indicators of future violence.
- Expand support services for women: Women need to know where they can get quick, no-hassle help, without fear of bureaucracy or judgmental looks.
- Engage with potential perpetrators too: Only by teaching men how to handle anger and conflict without violence can we prevent future attacks.
- Better training for police and the justice system: Every domestic violence call must be treated seriously – for what it is: often the last warning before a femicide.
The trial against the 43-year-old isn't over yet. A psychiatric evaluation is expected to shed light on his state of mind. But Fatma is dead. She couldn't get away. Her fate should be a wake-up call for all of us. Because as long as women in Germany have to be afraid when they want to leave a relationship, we, as a society, have failed. Femicide is not a private matter. It is a crime – and it concerns us all.
If you need help: The national helpline "Violence against women" is available 24/7 at 116 016 and online at hilfetelefon.de. In acute emergencies, call 110 immediately.