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

When you hear something like this, it just knocks the wind out of you. A 43-year-old man from Monheim has confessed in front of the Duesseldorf Regional Court to killing his own wife. Fatma (38) wanted a divorce – and he killed her for it. He suffocated her with a pillow while she was asleep. Treacherous murder, say the public prosecutors. 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 afresh. "She said many times that she was going to file for divorce," the accused told the court in a thin voice. It seems he just couldn't handle that. Add to that constant arguments over money – their finances were in a mess. On the night it happened, they had another big fight. When Fatma fell asleep, he simply took a pillow and pressed it down until she stopped breathing.

Hearing stories like this just turns your stomach. But sadly, this isn't an isolated case. 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 has long been common currency because the numbers there are unbelievably high. But it also happens right here, behind closed doors – in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms. We just often call it a "family tragedy" or a "crime of passion." It's pure downplaying. A femicide isn't a tragedy; it's simply murder.

The neighbours in Monheim are absolutely devastated. "Fatma was such a nice woman, always said hello and smiled," says an elderly lady from next door. "We never heard a thing, never any screaming. It's just beyond belief." And that's the truly insidious thing about such acts: they happen silently, behind locked 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 just how dangerous it can be when a woman wants a divorce. Statistically, the period of separation is the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship.

So, what can we learn from this? Just shaking our heads isn't enough. We as a society need to change our mindset and, most importantly, offer help. The experts keep saying the same things:

• Take early warning signs seriously: When a man is controlling, jealous, or puts his wife 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 straightforward help, without fear of bureaucracy or judgemental looks.
• Engage with perpetrators, too: We can only prevent future violence if men learn to deal with anger and conflict without resorting to it.
• 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 of 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 serve as 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.