Sexualised violence against children and young people is on the rise

Germany has recorded a concerning increase in sexual violence against children and adolescents, according to recent data and reports from experts and officials. The Federal Assessment of Sexual Offenses Against Children and Adolescents 2025, published on July 21 in Berlin, reveals that the number of such cases continues to rise, with alarming figures emerging across multiple categories. Among these, the number of sexual abuse offenses against minors under the age of 14 increased to 17,126 in 2025, compared to 16,354 in 2024. New records were also set for crimes involving child pornography and non-contact sexual abuse. Leonie Kirschstein, a psychologist working with the nonprofit organization Zartbitter e.V., based in Cologne, has observed firsthand the growing challenge posed by this crisis. She noted that while official crime statistics reflect only reported cases, the true scale of the problem is far greater. Many incidents remain unreported, particularly those involving peer-to-peer violence, which often go unnoticed or unaddressed due to the vulnerability of the victims, especially younger children. Kirschstein emphasized that her organization deals daily with cases where children struggle to understand whether their refusals were properly recognized by perpetrators. According to the World Health Organization, up to one million children and adolescents in Germany have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual violence at the hands of adults. This translates to approximately one to two children per classroom being affected. Kirschstein explained that she regularly receives new cases each day, often initiated by concerned parents seeking initial consultations. She highlighted that many victims continue to internalize guilt, questioning whether they had adequately communicated their refusal during the incident. The issue has prompted urgent calls for stronger legal measures, particularly in addressing the increasing threat of cyber grooming. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has expressed concern over the rising numbers and stressed the importance of protecting children in the digital space. He has advocated for laws that allow the retention of IP addresses for three months, arguing that such measures would aid law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting offenders. Dobrindt believes such legislation could be enacted as early as autumn and has also proposed establishing an EU Commissioner dedicated to preventing sexual abuse of children and adolescents. Holger Münch, president of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), has raised alarms about the phenomenon of cybergrooming, where adults intentionally target children and adolescents online to establish inappropriate sexual relationships. His warnings highlight the dangers associated with this form of exploitation, noting that over 98 percent of perpetrators are male, averaging around 24 years of age, while victims are predominantly female and typically around 12 years old. Münch’s comments underscore the critical need for enhanced monitoring and intervention strategies to combat this evolving threat. As discussions continue, the focus remains on implementing robust legal frameworks and improving awareness among both educators and families. With the ongoing rise in cases, authorities are under pressure to develop more comprehensive approaches to safeguarding children from sexual violence, both offline and online. The situation underscores the urgency of collective action to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation’s youth.