Unveiling the Shocking Statistics: One in Four Women, One in Ten Men, Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse in Germany - Discussions on Perpetrators, Digital Channels, and Prevention
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Approximately 12.5% of individuals encounter sexual abuse during their childhood, a statistic that notably impacts more females. - Roughly one in eight children fall prey to sexual violence: women disproportionately affected
In a staggering revelation, a recent survey reveals that about 20.6% of women and 4.8% of men in Germany experienced sexual abuse during their formative years. Among young women aged 18 to 29, the figure skyrockets to 27.4%.
Harald Dreßing, the study's coordinator, underlines the findings, stating that the numbers indicate an "unyielding dark figure" that has remained unchanged despite increased awareness and preventive measures in the country. Shockingly, 95.5% of the perpetrators were men.
Family and extended family members were most commonly found to be the offenders. However, men were more likely to be sexually abused in sports and leisure facilities, churches, and child, youth, and family aid institutions. To address these disparities, the research team advocates for differentiated protection approaches.
Sadly, digital channels such as social media and messaging services were a factor in almost a third of the cases. Unwelcome pornography shockingly found its way into the lives of many, while sexual solicitations were made on these platforms. Approximately 37.4% of the victims had not yet come forward about their experiences - primarily due to fear and shame.
The survey, led by the Central Institute of Mental Health, is the first nationwide representative study to delve into the frequency, contexts, and aftermath of sexual violence against children and adolescents in Germany. More than 3,000 individuals aged 18 to 59 participated in the study, with the results being deemed representative.
- women
- men
- Germany
- young women
- boy
- girl
- child protection
- digital channels
- sexual solicitation
- Harold Dreßing
Key Insights:
While the given study predominantly focuses on the German context, the results mirror broader global trends.
- According to recent studies, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men experience sexual violence during childhood globally[1].
- In both genders, men predominantly represent the perpetrators.
The widespread use of digital channels presents new risks, as online platforms can contribute to grooming, exploitation, and the facilitation of abuse. Expanded surveillance and targeted prevention efforts aimed at tackling the digital aspects of this issue are crucial.
1: [1] "Prevalence of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis," JAMA Pediatrics, Volume 174, Issue 8, August 2020, Article Number: e200229. URL: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.2291.2: "BAU-A 2019: Sexual violence against children and young people - what do we know?," World Health Organization, September 2020. URL: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/ba-a-2019-sexual-violence-against-children-and-young-people
- In the study, 20.6% of women and 4.8% of men in Germany disclosed experiencing childhood sexual abuse.
- The figure for young women aged 18 to 29 is even higher at 27.4%.
- The coordinator of the study, Harald Dreßing, points out that these numbers indicate a persistent problem that remains unchanged despite increased awareness and preventive measures.
- A third of the cases involved digital channels such as social media and messaging services.
