Overview
- Germany’s federal abuse commission published a non‑representative case study drawing on 133 reports of school‑based sexualized violence experienced between 1949 and 2010.
- The study finds victims were frequently left without protection as colleagues, school leaders and other staff ignored, downplayed or covered up abuse to safeguard reputations.
- Roughly 80% of reported victims were female and most perpetrators were male, with teachers comprising the largest group and fellow pupils also implicated.
- Abuse typically unfolded over weeks to a year and often occurred in classrooms, gyms, changing rooms and toilets, with newer risks tied to digital communication such as WhatsApp.
- The commission calls for independent complaint offices in every state, clear intervention criteria, school protection concepts, sexual education and qualification programs for teachers, principals and supervisory authorities.