Sexual Abuse – we support you if you are looking for help and information.

anonymously, free of charge and across Germany

Blaues Smartphone, aus dem eine blaue Sprechblase herauskommt. Der Untergrund ist ein hellblauer Kreis.

Give us a call – even if you're unsure

Talk to the advisors of the Sexual Abuse Help Line. Your call is anonymous and free of charge.

0800 22 55 530

Telephone hours:

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tues, Thurs: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Zwei blaue Sprechblasen kreuzen sich, mit Pfeilen nach oben und unten ausgerichtet. In der oberen Sprechblase sind drei Punkte. Im Hintergrund befindet sich ein rosa Kreis.

Send us a message

– securely and confidentially

The Sexual Abuse Help Line also offers advice by email. By registering, the advice service remains confidential.

Questions and Answers

We have collected your most frequently asked questions on the subject of sexual abuse. Here you will find an overview of everything important - short, concise and to the point.

What is sexual abuse?
How do I recognize sexual abuse?
Where can I find support?

Braunes Smartphone, braune Standort Stecknadel und blaue Sprechblase mit blauen Haken in der Mitte. Hintergrund ist ein gelber und blauer Kreis, bei dem unten rechts in Stück fehlt.

Useful information

There are many ways to seek help. Take a look at the topics of the help portal and find the right support for you.

Eine blaue Lupe zeigt auf einen gelben Kreis im Hintergrund. Daneben und darunter befinden sich drei blaue Punkte. Im Hintergrund sind zwei rosa und braune Kreise und ein blaues Ausrufezeichen.

About us

The help portal is a service of the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues. The Germany-wide portal is designed to offer the right support to all people on the topic of sexual abuse – face to face, online or over the phone. Get to know us!

Braune Sprechblase mit blauen, rosa und gelben Kreisen und Halbkreisen im Hintergrund.

Stories that inspire courage

Interview | Sport

The reactions from members of the public showed me that I am not alone. There are a lot of people who feel the same way. Today I am happy. My life goes on. I have a good relationship with my body and my sexuality.

Lisa-Marie Kreutz

Survivor

To the Interview
Frau mit langen blonden Haaren und weißem Oberteil steht vor Bäumen. Sie lächelt mit breitem Grinsen seitwärts in die Kamera.

Interview | Society

I would have liked the people around me to ask me how I am and if everything is okay at home. There were so many times in my life when it was clear that something was wrong with me.

Lisa Fahrig

Member of the Council of Victims and Survivors

To the Interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Lisa Fahrig

Interview | Therapy

Being sexually abused by a woman was extremely damaging to my masculinity. I felt very conflicted for many years. It was really tough for me. It took me a long time to reconcile these two sides.

Nicolas Haaf

Member of the Council of Victims and Survivors

To the interview

Interview | Counselling

Such a sensitive and personal topic always needs courage. But I do believe that making a call helps. It is a first step, a first "mustering up the courage". And that alone often makes all subsequent steps much easier.

Tanja von Bodelschwingh

Counsellor at the Sexual Abuse Help Line

To the interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Tanja von Bodelschwingh

Interview | Dealing with Child Sexual Abuse

We want to learn from these stories. That is the central element of coming to terms with what happened: Looking back should form the basis of learning for the sake of today and for the future.

Barbara Kavemann

Member of the Independent Commission for Dealing with Child Sexual Abuse

To the interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Barbara Kavemann

Interview | Self-help

In our self-help group, men can show their weaknesses and are not laughed at, but are respected. That alone is an experience: I don't have to play the tough guy, I can be seen to be vulnerable.

Max Ciolek

Member of the Council of Victims and Survivors

To the interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Max Ciolek

Interview | Law

The developments I observe in many of the victims and survivors are very encouraging and motivating. Often they can find their old self again during this long process.

Petra Ladenburger
Lawyer

To the interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Petra Ladenburger

Interview | People with disabilities

In acute crisis situations in particular, it greatly helps to seek advice from outside and not just stay in your own circle. We look at everything from an independent viewpoint and can help people view the situation neutrally.

Pia Witthöft

Head of the "Mutstelle" Counselling Centre

To the interview
[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Pia Witthöft

    Web analysis / data collection

    The Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues would like to continuously improve this website. For this purpose, your consent to the statistical collection of usage information is being requested. Your consent can be withdrawn at any time.