Femicide in Monheim: Husband Confesses – He Smothered Fatma Because She Wanted a Divorce
It really takes your breath away when you hear this. A 43-year-old man from Monheim has confessed to killing his own wife at the District Court in Düsseldorf. Fatma (38) wanted a divorce – and he killed her for it. He suffocated her with a pillow while she was asleep. Treacherous murder, says 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 had met years ago in Turkey, and Fatma moved to Germany for him. But at some point, love turned into hell. In the months leading up to the act, things had completely broken down. Fatma wanted out, wanted to leave him and start over. "She repeatedly said she was going to file for divorce," the defendant told the court in a thin voice. That's apparently what he couldn't stand. There were also constant arguments about money – their finances were in a mess. On the evening it happened, they argued again. When Fatma fell asleep, he simply took the pillow and pressed it down until she suffocated.
Hearing stories like this makes you feel sick. But unfortunately, this kind of thing doesn't happen just once. Every year in Germany, hundreds of women are killed or seriously injured by their husbands or ex-partners. Femicide is a global problem that doesn't stop at any border. In Latin America, for example, the term has long been on everyone's lips because the numbers there are unbelievably high. But it also happens here, within our own four walls – in the living room, the kitchen, the bedroom. Only here, we often still call it a "family tragedy" or "relationship crime." Pure trivialisation. A femicide is not a drama, it's simply murder.
The neighbours in Monheim are devastated. "Fatma was such a nice woman, always greeted you and smiled," says an elderly lady from the house next door. "We never heard anything, never any screaming. It's just unbelievable." And that is precisely the insidious thing about such acts: they happen silently, behind closed doors. Fatma didn't confide in anyone, didn't seek help – perhaps because she thought things would get better. Or because she was ashamed. But her case shows: when a woman wants a divorce, it can be life-threatening. Statistically, the separation period is the most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship.
What can we learn from this? Simply shaking our heads isn't enough. We as a society need to rethink things and, above all, help. People who know about this keep saying:
- Take early warning signs seriously: When someone is controlling, jealous, puts the woman down – these are often the first indicators of later violence.
- Expand counselling services for women: Women need to know where they can get help quickly and without complications, without fear of paperwork or disapproving looks.
- Also talk to the perpetrators: Only if men learn to deal with anger and conflicts without violence can we prevent further acts.
- Better training for police and judiciary: Every response to domestic violence must be taken seriously – for what it is: often the last warning before a femicide.
The trial of the 43-year-old is not over yet. A psychiatric report is to clarify what was going on inside him. But Fatma is dead. She couldn't get away anymore. Her fate must shake us all awake. Because as long as women in Germany have to be afraid when they want to leave, 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 helpline "Violence against women" is available around the clock on 116 016 and online at hilfetelefon.de. In acute emergencies, call 110 immediately.