German Parliament Strengthens Measures against Child Sexual Abuse
Berlin, January 29, 2025 – The German Bundestag has passed a new law to strengthen the fight against sexual violence against children and young people. The “Law to Strengthen Structures against Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents” (Stärkungsgesetz gegen sexualisierte Gewalt an Kindern und Jugendlichen) aims to improve prevention, detection, and prosecution of these crimes.
Key Provisions
The law includes several key provisions:
- Establishment of a national coordination center: A new coordination center will be established within the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth to coordinate efforts between different agencies and organizations.
- Improved training for professionals: All professionals who work with children and young people, such as teachers, social workers, and police officers, will be required to receive specialized training on child sexual abuse.
- Strengthened anonymous reporting system: The existing anonymous reporting system, which allows victims and witnesses to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse, will be expanded and improved.
- Increased penalties for perpetrators: The penalties for sexual crimes against children and young people will be increased, including the introduction of harsher punishments for serious offenses.
Background
The law was prompted by the growing concern over the high prevalence of child sexual abuse in Germany. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, there were over 40,000 reported cases of child sexual abuse in 2023. However, the true number is believed to be much higher, as many cases go unreported.
Reactions
The law has been welcomed by child protection advocates and victims’ groups. The Federal Association of Rape Crisis Centers and Women’s Counseling Centers (BVLV) praised the government for taking “a decisive step in the fight against child sexual abuse.”
However, some critics have argued that the law does not go far enough. They have called for additional measures, such as the mandatory reporting of suspected cases by all professionals who work with children and young people.
Next Steps
The law is expected to come into effect in the spring of 2025. The government has allocated €100 million annually to implement the new measures. The effectiveness of the law will be evaluated on a regular basis.
20/14784: Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht zu dem Gesetzentwurf der Bundesregierung – 20/13183 – Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Stärkung der Strukturen gegen sexuelle Gewalt an Kindern und Jugendlichen (PDF)
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