In a groundbreaking investigation commissioned by the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) in 2020, a shocking report has surfaced, revealing that more than 9,000 children and teenagers have fallen victim to sexual abuse within the Protestant Church since the end of World War II.
Led by Professor Martin Wazlawik from Hanover University, the report delves into a comprehensive analysis of sexual abuse cases, examining around 4,300 disciplinary files, 780 personal files, and over 1,300 additional documents.
This marks the first nationwide study of its kind, aiming to shed light on both the scale of abuse and the structural causes within the Protestant Church.
Staggering statistics uncovered
The independent researchers discovered that at least 1,259 perpetrators committed acts of sexual abuse upon 2,174 victims. However, due to the unavailability of certain files, the actual figures could be even higher.
The study estimates that a staggering 9,355 children and young people have suffered sexual abuse since 1946, with almost one-third of the perpetrators identified as members of the clergy.
The report further highlights disturbing patterns, revealing that approximately 64.7% of victims and a staggering 99.6% of perpetrators were male. The abuse ranged from unnecessary physical contact during sports lessons to sexual penetration. Additionally, it was noted that around three-quarters of the perpetrators were married at the time of their first offense.
Facing these damning revelations, Bishop Kirsten Fehr, the interim president of the Council of the Protestant Church of Germany, publicly acknowledged the church's failure to protect its members.
"As an institution, we have wronged countless numbers of people," said Bishop Fehr, asking for forgiveness and admitting the existence of structures that protect perpetrators.
While the report sheds light on the magnitude of the issue, critics argue that the decentralized structure of the Protestant Church hampers effective investigations. This echoes similar challenges faced by the Catholic Church, as revealed in a 2018 study by the German Bishops’ Conference, suggesting a need for systemic reforms to address and prevent future instances of abuse.
In the wake of these revelations, the German Protestant Church now faces a critical juncture, as it grapples with the need for transparency, accountability, and decisive actions to protect the vulnerable within its congregations.
