Thanks to the possibilities offered by the internet, images of abuse of victims from all over the world are circulating. Fast data transfer enables, for example, the abuse of children in the Philippines via livestream. Children from the poorest backgrounds follow the instructions of their "viewers" to perform sexual acts. Perpetrators often pay for this with the digital currency Bitcoin or via money transfer.
"In contact with people who have been exploited pornographically, it becomes clear time and again that the existence of the images means that this form of sexual violence must be described as lifelong, never-ending abuse." Carmen Kerger, Dunkelziffer e. V. association.
The images and video footage produced in the process put the victims under additional pressure. There is always the possibility that the photos or films will reappear. Victims can be recognized or discovered in this way and not put an end to the abuse.
Information for victims and/or relatives:
In the event of a criminal offense, contact the police. If you have any doubts and do not want to report the crime initially, you should still secure evidence (from the victim) immediately. You can get support and help, for example, from child protection outpatient clinics or violence victim outpatient clinics, from specialist advice centers such as the Child Protection Association or the victim support association WEISSER RING e. V. These will put you in touch with the forensic institutes that carry out the relevant examinations and secure evidence.
In addition, there is also free telephone help and advice.
The "Sexual Abuse Helpline", Tel. 0800-2255530, is the nationwide, free and anonymous contact point for victims of sexual violence, for relatives and people from the social environment of children, for professionals and for all interested parties.
For children and young people, the number against grief, Tel.: 0800-1110333, (Monday to Saturday between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.) is also available.
In addition to the police and the aforementioned, local contacts are also:
- Youth welfare offices and advice centers (municipal, church and independent providers)
- Doctors or
- Pro Familia.
In an emergency, dial 110.
Since 01.01.2017, particularly vulnerable victims have been entitled to psychosocial support during the entire criminal proceedings. It acts as relieving assistance by professional experts and has neither the character of psychotherapy nor a legal counseling function.
An application must be made to the court for the court-appointed counselor; no costs are incurred by the victim.
Further information: https://www.justiz.nrw/BS/opferschutz/psychosoz_prozessbegl/index.php
Victims also have the right to be accompanied by a victim advocate. As soon as the police or the public prosecutor's office become aware of a criminal offense, they are obliged to initiate criminal proceedings (Section 163 of the Code of Criminal Procedure).
Advice and help:
- WEISSER RING e. V. https://weisser-ring.de
- Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues https://www.hilfeportal-missbrauch.de/startseite.html
- Deutscher Kinderschutzbund Bundesverband e. V. https://www.dksb.de/de/startseite/
- Police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government https://www.polizei-beratung.de/opferinformationen/sexueller-missbrauch-von-kindern/
- Police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government https://www.polizei-beratung.de/opferinformationen/sexueller-missbrauch-von-kindern/was-tun-bei-verdacht/
- Police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government https://www.polizei-beratung.de/opferinformationen/sexueller-missbrauch-von-kindern/rechte-und-ansprueche/
- Police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government https://www.polizei-beratung.de/opferinformationen/sexueller-missbrauch-von-kindern/hilfe-und-unterstuetzung/
- https://www.childhood-haus.de/
