Sexual abuse investigations and responses in Germany

Efforts to address and investigate sexualized violence in Germany have expanded through both institutional investigations and targeted outreach. The Independent Federal Commission for the Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse launched the ‘Open to your story’ campaign, specifically seeking testimony from survivors with disabilities. The commission noted that these individuals face higher risks due to power imbalances in care services and aims to identify why such violence was often concealed.

Simultaneously, investigations into the Catholic Church have revealed systemic issues. An interim report regarding the Diocese of Trier detailed cover-ups and secrecy between 1946 and 1966, identifying 335 victims and 123 accused individuals during that specific period. When looking at the broader scope from 1946 to 2021, the investigation has identified 782 victims and 252 accused individuals.

In response to the crisis, the Diocese of Fulda has implemented a public art installation titled ‘Schmerzpunkt’ to serve as a memorial to victims of sexualized violence and the abuse of spiritual authority.