Berlin authorities found to have failed in protecting teen after youth center rape

An independent commission has identified significant failures by social workers and the Neukölln Youth Welfare Office following an alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl at the Wutzkyallee youth center in Berlin. The incident, which reportedly occurred in late 2025, involved a group of youths aged 15 to 19.

The investigation report highlights that while the RosaMinta team at the facility fulfilled its duty by reporting the incident and involving the Youth Welfare Office in January 2026, the subsequent official response was inadequate. The commission found that the Youth Welfare Office failed to implement a protection concept for the victim and her sister, and did not take necessary decisions or responsibilities in a timely manner.

Berlin’s Senator for Education, Youth and Family, Katharina Günther-Wünsch, described the findings as “serious omissions” regarding child protection protocols. While the report notes massive errors and a lack of protective measures at the center, it stated that no evidence of a deliberate cover-up was found. The youth center has been closed since March 2026, and the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) and the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office are currently investigating.