Adults must protect children from sexual violence
Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus has appealed to all citizens to watch out for signs that could indicate child sexual abuse. "No child is alone. Every child is surrounded by adults who can protect them, if only these adults accept the responsibility to intervene," said the Green politician at the launch of the "Don't shift your responsibility!" campaign in Berlin. "Too many adults shirk responsibility, but often out of insecurity."
What to do in the event of suspicion or how to talk to children about sexual violence are legitimate questions. Every adult should be able to answer these in order to protect children. The campaign will therefore focus on providing information about help services. "Read the brochures, get the knowledge to protect children. That way, you will learn to actually take responsibility," appealed Paus. "Talk about it with those around you, in your family, with friends, at nursery, at the sports club."
Kerstin Claus, the federal commissioner for abuse, used specific examples to illustrate where adults should listen and ask questions. "A girl no longer wants to visit her grandparents in the afternoon, grandpa's beard is so itchy," said Claus. "Listen and ask, even if children or young people respond to chat messages on their cell phones with "That's such a load of crap again"." The boys and girls should then be actively approached and it should be made clear that they are being listened to.
In 2022, the police in Germany recorded almost 17,200 children under the age of 14 as victims of sexual violence. In almost one in seven cases, the victims were under the age of six, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). In more than half of the cases, the victims and suspects knew each other, for example because they were related to each other or were friends in some way. In addition, 1211 young people between the ages of 14 and 17 were counted as victims of sexual violence.
Lisa Paus, the Green politician, emphasized that every child is surrounded by adults who can prevent DSExual violence. She urged adults to take responsibility and intervene when necessary, as too many overlook their duty out of fear. Moreover, Paus encouraged discussions about sexual violence within families, friend circles, and communities to help children understand and feel safe.
Source: www.dpa.com
