Research on Child Sexual Abuse in Institutions in German-Speaking Countries: A Summary

Abstract

Education of children and child protection was improved in all three European German-speaking countries, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, up to the late 1960s/1970s as a continuing process. More and more research on the prevalence of child sexual abuse in institutions and prevention and intervention strategies has been developed since then. Awareness and consciousness of child sexual abuse in institutions has led to outrage in the public since 2010. Reappraisal processes of child sexual abuse in institutions in the past have been implemented by political/governmental bodies and the Roman Catholic Church in different ways in the three countries, dependent on their federal structure. Results of these research programs showed a high prevalence of abuse and neglect in institutions. Research projects financed by politics or the Roman Catholic Church helped us to understand that the structures of institutions – and not the organizational background (like the Roman Catholic Church) – have influenced the occurrence of the abuse. Even if controlled for familial risk factors, child sexual abuse has an important influence on the development of psychiatric problems. Being heard, taken seriously, and helped are protective factors for survivors of child sexual abuse that can prevent long-lasting psychosocial consequences. Historical studies conducted in Switzerland have explained the influence of society on the appearance of child sexual abuse in institutions in the past. Current studies still show a high risk of child sexual abuse in institutions today. These studies point to a high prevalence of peer-to-peer victimization that has to be considered in the future. Prevention and intervention strategies and direction of research are discussed at the end.