A leading German forensic psychologist is calling for a more measured and cautious approach to assessing testimonies in sexual offense cases, raising concerns about the potential for wrongful convictions. Max Steller, a highly respected expert in the field, cautioned against a presumption of automatic belief in accusers, a position sometimes advocated by activists within the MeToo movement. He argues that such an approach contradicts fundamental legal principles and rational thought processes, highlighting the potential for false accusations to irreparably damage lives.
Steller, who has conducted psychological evaluations of alleged victims and perpetrators for over 50 years, including involvement in high-profile cases such as the Worms abuse trials and assessments related to serial killer Niels H., emphasized the necessity of rigorous examination of all allegations. His expertise was instrumental in shaping minimum standards for evaluating witness credibility as established by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in 1999.
The psychologist sharply criticizes therapeutic methods aimed at “retrieving” repressed memories of abuse. He dismisses the underlying concept – the belief that traumatic experiences are suppressed or incompletely stored – as fundamentally flawed. Steller contends that particularly impactful events are generally well-imprinted and severe abuse experienced during childhood is rarely forgotten. He warns that practitioners promising to recover such memories can be detrimental rather than helpful to those affected.
Steller also directs scrutiny towards the justice system, warning of potential legal scandals arising from hasty judgments. This concern is prompted by a recent case in Braunschweig, where a young woman falsely accused her mother and stepfather of years of sexual exploitation and trafficking, leading to their imprisonment for nearly two years before the charges were proven unfounded.
Steller acknowledges the risk of similar errors recurring, stressing the need for continued education from forensic psychologists regarding the complexities of suggestion and false memories. He cautions that the passage of time since landmark cases like the Worms trials and the BGH ruling increases the danger of repeating such mistakes. The importance of meticulous scrutiny and a balanced approach to assessing allegations remains paramount for upholding the integrity of the legal system.