Katha Rosa to share abuse survival story in new WDR documentary

Singer-songwriter Katha Rosa will share her personal history of childhood sexual abuse in a new WDR documentary titled ‘Das Schweigen brechen - Von Mamas neuem Freund missbraucht’. The 45-minute film, part of the ‘Menschen hautnah’ series, is scheduled to air on WDR television on September 3.

Rosa, who has achieved significant musical success with tracks like ‘Schwarzer Hund’ and ‘Nein (Du kannst mir nicht wehtun)’, uses her music to process the trauma inflicted by her mother’s partner. Her story highlights a broader issue in Germany; according to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), there were more than 20,000 reported cases of minor abuse in 2025, with many occurring within family environments. Statistics from the NGO Innocence in Danger suggest that only a third of those affected come forward.