- Munich Allocates €35 Million for Compensation of Abuse Victims
Munich allocates 35 million euros for individuals who endured mistreatment in city-run children's homes, foster families, or adoptions. This move, agreed upon by the city council committee, as stated by the social department, aims to provide financial relief and public recognition to victims of violence and abuse during their childhood. Munich's third mayor, Verena Dietl (SPD), expressed hope that recognition payments would not only alleviate financial burdens but also publicly acknowledge these tragic experiences.
Commissioner's Point of View
Germany's federal government's commissioner for abuse, Kerstin Claus, regarded Munich's initiative as unprecedented in Germany. She praised the municipality for acknowledging and financially supporting victims of violence, abuse, and neglect in children's homes, foster families, and adoptive families. Claus encouraged other municipalities to follow suit and take responsibility, labeling the 35 million euros as substantial support for victims.
Establishment of an Independent Commission
An independent commission established in 2021 to scrutinize incidents in children's homes, foster families, and adoptive families devised a strategy and process for compensating victims through recognition payments. The estimated total funds needed for these payments amounted to 35 million euros.
The commission anticipates approximately 250 applications for compensation, with 165 already received, according to the social department. The city intends to set aside 15 million euros this year and an additional 20 million euros in 2025.
Expert Panel Decisions
Chairman of the expert commission, Ignaz Raab, mentioned that a specialized panel would evaluate the applications, as a blanket assessment of abuse and violence experiences cannot fully captures the unique experiences of affected individuals. The specific criteria will remain confidential.
Victims' Council HeadEmphasizing the limitation of achieving justice, Benno Oberleitner, chairman of the victims' council, underlined that compensation payments should serve as a tangible amount and an acknowledgment of guilt from the responsible organizations for the victims.
Immediate Aid Funds
The commission has already secured a total of 4.3 million euros from the city budget for immediate aid for affected individuals, as per the city. This spending, alongside the recognition payments, targets those who suffered from violence in children's homes, foster families, or adoptive families, arranged by the youth welfare office, and continue to grapple with its impacts today.
Commissioner Claus commended Munich's decision as a powerful statement, stating that numerous reports from affected individuals received by the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Sexual Abuse of Minors indicate widespread violence in the care of children in both West and East Germany. She highlighted the pressing need for further action and processing in this area.
Germany's commissioner for abuse, Kerstin Claus, believes that other municipalities should emulate Munich's approach, as she considers the 35 million euros allocated by Munich as substantial support for victims in Germany.
The independent commission established in 2021, which includes Germany as part of its scope, has received 165 applications for compensation so far, indicating a significant number of individuals seeking recognition and financial relief for their tragic experiences.
