Stories that inspire courage

It takes courage to talk about sexual abuse. Meet people who have mustered up that courage or who encourage others.

Zwei blaue Sprechblasen zueinander ausgerichtet mit jeweils drei Punkten in der Mitte.

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

Former member of the Council of Victims and Survivors

To The Interview

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

[Translate to Englisch:] Porträtfoto Nicolas Haaf

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 | Processing things

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 Federal Inquiry into 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

Former 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