The Federal Government’s commitment to combating the widespread crisis of sexual abuse is facing critical scrutiny following accusations that insufficient funding has been allocated in the upcoming federal budget. Kerstin Claus, the Federal Commissioner for Victims of Abuse, publicly rebuked Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) for failing to secure adequate resources to support survivors and address the systemic issues fueling the problem.
Claus’s critique centers on the proposed cessation of a vital fund designed to provide low-threshold support for victims. Established in 2013 to fill gaps in existing aid structures, the fund provides crucial assistance for cases not adequately covered by standard legal and social support systems. The Family Ministry’s recent decision to halt further funding releases, citing the fund as being “overburdened” has drawn fierce condemnation.
“Minister Prien has failed to enshrine the necessary resources for the coming years within the budget” Claus stated in an interview with the “Frankfurter Rundschau”. “Parliament must now rectify this situation”. The commissioner emphasized that dismantling such a crucial support system represents a significant step backward and a demonstration of a lack of solidarity with affected individuals.
The underlying issue, according to Claus, underscores a decade of political neglect. While acknowledging existing support mechanisms, she asserts that the fund itself has not been placed on a financially sustainable footing. The onus now rests on Members of Parliament to safeguard the fund through upcoming budget negotiations, a priority identified by Claus as urgently needed. A corresponding law to formally secure the fund’s existence is also being demanded, rejecting attempts to avoid responsibility on the matter.
The scope of the problem remains deeply concerning. Claus described the extent of sexual abuse of minors as “monstrous” highlighting that the 16,300 cases recorded in last year’s crime statistics represent only the visible tip of a far larger and more insidious reality. These recorded incidents often reflect years, even decades, of sustained acts of sexual violence, with countless additional cases remaining hidden and unaddressed. The situation demands not only financial commitment but also a fundamental reassessment of how the government approaches the prevention and redress of this widespread and devastating crime.