Monheim Femicide: Husband Confesses – He Smothered Fatma Because She Wanted a Divorce

Hearing this kind of story just leaves you speechless. 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, 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 was once 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 fresh. "She said repeatedly that she was going to file for divorce," the accused told the court in a quiet voice. It seems that's what he just couldn't handle. Add to that constant arguments about money – their finances were in a mess. On the night it happened, they'd had another blow-up. When Fatma was asleep, he simply took the pillow and held it down until she stopped breathing.

Stories like this really get to you. But unfortunately, this kind of thing doesn't just happen once. 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 known because the numbers there are so incredibly high. But it also happens here, behind closed doors – in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms. Only here, we often still call it a "family tragedy" or a "relationship crime." A complete understatement. A femicide isn't a tragedy; it's quite simply murder.

The neighbours in Monheim are absolutely gutted. "Fatma was such a lovely woman, always said hello and smiled," says an older woman from next door. "We never heard a thing, no shouting. It's just incomprehensible." And that's exactly the insidious thing about 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 was ashamed. But her case shows: when a woman wants a divorce, it can be life-threatening. Statistically, the time of separation is the most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship.

What can we learn from this? Just shaking our heads isn't enough. We as a society need to change our thinking and, above all, offer help. Experts keep emphasising:

• Take early warning signs seriously: If a partner is controlling, jealous, puts 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 and easy help, without fear of bureaucracy or judgemental looks.
• Engage with perpetrators too: Only if men learn to deal with anger and conflict without violence can we prevent further acts.
• Better training for police and the justice system: Every domestic violence call-out 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 report 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's a crime – and it concerns every single one of us.

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.