Centre for Research on Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents

Germany is obligated to take effective measures against sexual violence against children and adolescents. However, implementing this obligation is difficult due to the lack of an up-to date and comprehensive picture of the extent of sexual violence against children and adolescents in Germany (Jud/Kindler 2019). In particular, there is a need of repeated and comparable observations of how the frequency (prevalence) of sexual violence against children and adolescents is developing. As early as 2021, the National Council against Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents therefore called for the establishment of a centre to implement a national strategy for research into the prevalence of sexual violence against children and adolescents (National Council 2021). In a preparatory project, a possible concept for such a centre was developed and discussed (discussion paper in German[2]).

On behalf of the Independent Federal Commissioner Against Child Sexual Abuse (UBSKM) [3]the ZEFSG regularly conducts nationwide, representative surveys of young people. The surveys collect data on the prevalence and various contexts in which young people are affected by sexual violence in childhood and adolescence. The results are incorporated into the UBSKM's reports to the German Parliament, the Bundesrar (Federal Council), and the Federal Government.

A special feature of this centre is its participatory approach. Participation committees are designed to enable survivors of sexual violence in childhood and adolescence, young people, researchers and practicioners to contribute questions and enhance standardized, scientifically validated survey instruments, and participate in the discussion of the results and the conclusions to be drawn. Participation is based on the basic model of Michael T. Wright et al. (2010).