Attack on Mann's anti-violence project: A new shock for Schöneberg!

Attack on Mann's anti-violence project: A new shock for Schöneberg!

The gay anti-violence project “Maneo” in Berlin-Schöneberg was attacked on the night of Sunday, October 28, 2025. A window pane of the project on Bülowstrasse was damaged with a stone. A witness heard a clanging sound around 6:30 a.m. and saw three people running away; She then alerted the police. The investigation was taken over by the State Police at the State Criminal Police Office. The action group, which has existed since 1990, is known for its support of victims of violent acts and violence prevention. Maneo has received several awards, including from the Federal Agency for Civic Education.

According to the Berlin public prosecutor's office, a total of 791 anti-queer attacks were recorded in 2023. What is alarming is that the number of these attacks has almost doubled in four years. Associations that support those affected estimate that the number of unreported cases is much higher because many incidents go unreported. This makes it clear how important the work of projects like Maneo is, which offers support to those affected and at the same time fights for social change.

Growing attack numbers

The MANEO Report 2023, published on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, Transphobia and Queerphobia (IDAHOBIT) on May 17th, documents the increasing violence against the LGBTIQ+ community. The 240-page report recorded 685 new cases and reports with anti-LGBTIQ+ references, an increase of 23% compared to the previous year. Additionally, a total of 1,014 cases were documented, representing an increase of 29%. What is particularly noteworthy is that 892 affected people contacted Maneo - here too, an increase compared to the previous year.

The high number of registered attacks not only reflects the increase in violent acts, but also a growing acceptance of Maneo's work and an increased willingness to report attacks. This development could indicate a changing social discourse that is making it easier for victims to make their experiences public.

Current crime statistics

A further look at the statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) shows that a total of 17,007 cases of hate crime were recorded in 2023, with 1,785 of these crimes directly targeting the LGBTIQ* community - an increase compared to 2022, when 1,188 attacks were reported. The most common crimes are insults, acts of violence and incitement to hatred. These numbers illustrate the massive increase in anti-queer crimes that have been documented with increasing frequency in recent years.

In summary, the increasing number of attacks and the measures taken against discrimination and violence are linked to a complex relationship. While it is difficult to estimate the number of unreported cases, it is clear that the work of organizations like Maneo and raising public awareness are crucial to giving those affected a voice and fighting for respectful coexistence.

The BKA is actively committed to diversity and against hatred, discrimination and violence. It promotes police crime prevention programs and has created a map that shows offers against LGBTIQ*-targeted crimes. The increasing commitment is linked to the goal of promoting an open, tolerant and diverse society.

For more information about the incidents and Maneo's work, please visit rbb24, Maneo and BKA.