Germany pushes to end or extend child‑abuse statute of limitations

Independent commissioner Kerstin Claus urged Germany to lengthen or abolish the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, saying that victims often speak out only after many years and that the current five‑to‑20‑year limits, even with a pause until the victim turns 30, leave many perpetrators unpunished. She argued that serious crimes such as murder already have no limitation period and that the same principle should apply to grave sexual offenses against children.

Professor Harald Dreßing, who led the first nationwide dark‑field study on child sexual abuse in 2025, presented its findings: the study provided the first representative data on incidence, contexts and risk factors, showing higher victimisation of boys in institutional settings such as schools, sports clubs and youth‑care facilities. He stressed the need for better prevention measures and for society to believe and support survivors.

Both figures call for legal reform and stronger societal response to ensure justice for victims and to deter future abuse.