Dirk Peglow, head of the Federal Association of German Detectives (BDK), has sparked a heated debate after advising women to avoid relationships with men for safety reasons during a TV interview.

Peglow made the remark on Monday while discussing the latest crime statistics in Germany, which show a high rate of violence against women. He noted that in 2024, statistically at least two women per day were victims of homicide or attempted homicide.

When asked by ZDF host Dunja Hayali for advice to women, Peglow said: "Better not get into a relationship with a man. If you do, the risk is much higher of becoming a victim of psychological or physical violence."

In a subsequent interview with Bild daily, Peglow relativized his comment: "My statement was obviously an exaggeration. It was not meant as advice to be taken literally. The overwhelming majority of men are not violent and are not criminals."

Hayali told Focus Online that both she and Peglow had received threats: "Now there are men who do not criticize the rise in violence against women but instead express violent fantasies and threats of violence against my interview partner and me."

The 2025 crime statistics have also caused a media stir in Germany due to a high rate of offenses by foreigners, though experts caution that these figures must be treated with circumspection. Overall, recorded criminal offenses in Germany declined by 4.4%.

Source: www.dw.com