Trier Abuse Commission calls for help for adults now!

Trier Abuse Commission calls for help for adults now!

The discussion about coming to terms with sexual violence continues to spread. On Friday, the Abuse Processing Commission in the diocese of Trier, which deals intensively with this issue, called on the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland to set up a central contact point for adults affected by sexual violence. This demand comes at a time when such positions only exist for minors. Katholisch.de reports that with this measure the Commission wants to close a clearly visible gap in the existing aid system.

Although the reactions from the federal states are open, there are still no firm commitments. Saarland's Social Minister Magnus Jung (SPD) has promised to examine the suggestion closely. The family minister from Rhineland-Palatinate, Katharina Binz (Greens), emphasizes, however, that there are already several contact points for those affected, including adults. The “Sexual Abuse Helpline” is also available at the federal level and can offer support.

Research and facts

The fourth interim report of the Independent Commission for the Comprehension of Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Trier, which was published on Friday, makes a significant contribution to the investigation. It mentions that scientists at the University of Trier assume that at least 734 people have been affected and 246 people have been accused in the last eight decades. However, there is talk of a dark field, so the suspected numbers could be much higher. Since 2010, the church has already paid around 3.7 million euros in the form of recognition of the suffering and therapy costs of over 180,000 euros.

The review commission also regrets that many of the diocese's efforts were delayed due to a lack of willingness to cooperate on the part of external partners. The challenges extend far beyond national borders: acts of abuse committed by German or European perpetrators in the context of church development aid abroad also require extensive investigation. Coming to terms with sexual abuse is not perceived as a common task in the global church, which further complicates efforts.

Contact points in focus

The issue of support facilities for adults in particular shows how important it is for society to come to terms with it. While individual processing focuses on the personal experiences of those affected, institutional processing aims to analyze structures within institutions such as church communities or sports clubs. A society-wide assessment is necessary in order to raise public awareness of the issue and to improve the conditions for those affected commissioned-abuse.de explained.

It remains to be seen how the federal states will respond to the Commission's demands. One thing is clear: support for those affected must finally be felt at all levels. Providing help should be a natural task of our society, regardless of the age of those affected.