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Stop applications for victims of abuse: Those affected feel abandoned
The freeze on applications for state aid for victims of abuse in Pfaffenhofen is causing concern. Experts demand solutions.
Stop applications for victims of abuse: Those affected feel abandoned
Matthias Katsch, a prominent member of the Eckiger Tisch e. V., has a moving story to tell. As a 12-year-old, he was not only sexually abused but also sadistically tortured by two priests. After almost 30 years of silence and dealing with the emotional scars, Katsch realized that he was not alone and applied for therapy. This therapy has been financially supported by the state “Sexual Abuse Fund” since 2013, but this is now in a critical phase.
In March 2023 it was announced that the fund was set to expire; it was originally scheduled to end at the end of August this year. A report from BR shows that the Federal Audit Office harshly criticized the fund because a lot of aid was paid out without clear timelines. The federal government has announced that only initial applications received by March 19, 2023 will be approved. This decision hits hard for those affected like Katsch and also Hans Joachim Schöttler, who was abused as a child in the Catholic Church. They once again feel abandoned and disappointed by those in charge.
Missed opportunities for those affected
Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien stated in a statement that the application freeze was imposed retroactively due to a lack of financial resources. She has promised to work for a solution and to develop a legal structure by the end of the year so as not to abandon those affected. This makes it all the more important that additional support systems are in place for those affected.
The Supplementary Support System (EHSE) offers an important contact point for children and minors who have experienced sexual violence. As on the help system website fonds-abuse.de described, it supports when other service providers do not help. EHSE offers to cover the costs of psychotherapy if the health insurance company cannot approve further therapy sessions. In addition to other services, help is also offered for emotionally stressful applications.