Femicide in Monheim: Husband confesses – he suffocated Fatma because she wanted a divorce

It's the kind of news that just knocks the wind out of you. 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 slept. 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 her partner.

They met years ago in Turkey, and Fatma moved to Germany for him. But what started as love eventually turned into a living 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 said several times that she was going to file for divorce," the accused told the court in a weak voice. It seems he just couldn't handle that. Added to this were constant arguments over money – their finances were in a mess. On the night it happened, they had another fight. When Fatma was asleep, he simply took a pillow and held it down until she suffocated.

Hearing stories like this really shakes you up. But unfortunately, this isn't an isolated incident. Every year in Germany, hundreds of women are killed or brutally assaulted 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 already widely discussed because the numbers there are shockingly high. But it also happens here, within our own four walls – in living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. It's just that we often still call it a "family tragedy" or a "crime of passion." A complete understatement. A femicide isn't a tragedy; it's quite simply murder.

The neighbours in Monheim are absolutely devastated. "Fatma was such a nice woman, always greeted you with a smile," says an elderly lady from the house next door. "We never heard a thing, never any screaming. It's just unbelievable." And that's precisely 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 because she felt 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 a violent relationship.

What can we learn from this? Just shaking our heads in disbelief isn't enough. As a society, we need to rethink things and, most importantly, offer help. The experts keep telling us:

• Take early warning signs seriously: When a partner is controlling, jealous, or puts a woman down – these are often the first indicators of future violence.
• Expand counselling services for women: Women need to know where they can get quick and uncomplicated help, without fear of paperwork or judgmental looks.
• Also engage with the perpetrators: Only when men learn to deal with anger and conflict without violence can we prevent future 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 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 must 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's a crime – and it concerns us all.

If you need help: The "Violence against Women" helpline is available 24/7 at 116 016 and online at hilfetelefon.de. In acute emergencies, call 110 immediately.