Sexual violence against children and adolescents remains a widespread phenomenon — including in Germany. Protecting children and addressing the long-term impacts of early childhood trauma poses major challenges to healthcare services. For years, the lack of reliable data on the prevalence of sexual violence in Germany has been criticized. Furthermore, knowledge about the specific contexts of such crimes remains insufficient, limiting the effectiveness of preventive interventions.

Almost 13 percent report experiencing sexual violence

In order to address this issue, the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI), within the framework of the German Centre for Mental Health (DZPG), conducted the first nationwide, representative study in collaboration with the University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Ulm and the Institute of Criminology at Heidelberg University. The study not only examines the prevalence of sexual violence against children and adolescents, but also the circumstances of these crimes and their aftermath. The study reveals that 12.7% of respondents had experienced sexualised violence during childhood or adolescence.

Women are disproportionately affected

The data show a stark gender disparity: 20.6% of women reported having experienced sexual violence during childhood or adolescence, compared to only 4.8% of men. Among respondents aged 18 to 29, the figure for women rises to 27.4%, indicating an even more alarming trend in younger cohorts.

“These findings indicate that a substantial number of cases of sexual violence remain unreported — a figure that has not decreased compared to previous studies, despite growing public awareness and the expansion of prevention efforts in Germany,” explains Professor Dr. Harald Dreßing, coordinator of the study and Head of Forensic Psychiatry at the Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI). When asked about the perpetrators, the vast majority of affected individuals identified men. Only 4.5% reported having been victimized by a female perpetrator.

Sexual violence most commonly occurs within the family

The study also examined the contextual settings in which the acts of sexual violence occurred. Most respondents indicated that the offences took place within the family or among relatives. Notably, male victims were more likely to report experiences of sexual violence in sports and recreational environments, religious institutions, or within youth and family welfare services. The research team emphasizes the urgent need for differentiated child protection strategies that address the specific vulnerabilities of various environments. Professor Silvia Schneider, DZPG spokesperson, notes: “Early childhood trauma, including experiences of sexual violence, significantly increases the risk of developing mental health disorders – ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression to anxiety and personality disorders. This study clearly demonstrates that the psychological well-being of affected individuals is considerably lower than that of those without such experiences. To effectively reduce the prevalence of sexual violence in Germany, we must substantially invest in evidence-based preventive 

Digital channels play an important role

In nearly one-third of the reported cases (31.7%), digital media platforms such as social networks, messaging services, and online chats played a pivotal role. These instances often involved the unsolicited transmission of pornographic material, solicitations for sexual acts, or coercion to share sexualized images or videos. Among respondents who experienced sexual violence offline, 61.9% also reported incidents of sexualized violence in digital spaces.

Fear leads to silence

Over one third (37.4 percent) of those affected had not yet spoken to anyone about the sexualized violence they experienced. Victims frequently reported shame and fear of disbelief as reasons. “This demonstrates that a significant dark figure still exists and clearly illustrates the continued absence of safe and supportive spaces, where survivors can speak freely without fear of stigma or retaliation,” says Dreßing.

Urgent need to improve prevention and clinical response

The study provides compelling evidence that the mental health of survivors is significantly compromised in comparison to unaffected individuals. “Strengthening and institutionalising research into the prevalence and contexts of sexual violence is of critical importance. Only through robust data and ongoing investigation can we develop effective prevention strategies and ensure appropriate medical and psychological care for those affected.” emphasizes Professor Dr. Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Director of the ZI and spokesperson for the DZPG site in Mannheim-Heidelberg-Ulm. Professor Dr. Peter Falkai, DZPG spokesperson, also underscores the importance of the findings: “In partnership with the Central Institute of Mental Health and other collaborators, the DZPG has conducted pioneering work. For the first time, a representative sample has illuminated the true extent of sexual violence against minors in Germany. Despite heightened societal attention, there remains a critical need for action. Sexual violence represents only the tip of the iceberg of traumatic experiences in childhood and adolescence, which also include physical abuse, verbal aggression, and neglect. The DZPG investigates the connections between such adverse experiences and mental illness across the full continuum: prevention, early intervention, targeted treatment, and improved clinical care – while also holding political actors accountable for systemic change.”

Working in cooperation with the survey institute infratest dimap, the study contacted a national sample of 10,000 individuals aged 18 to 59 via postal mail. Over 3,000 individuals completed the survey – a strong response rate that supports robust conclusions.

About the study and methodology

The study was financed through institutional funding as well as support from the WEISSER RING Foundation, Eckiger Tisch e.V., and the German Child Protection Association.

A representative sample of the German population aged 18 to 59 was generated using data from residents’ registration offices. Participants could complete the survey either by mail or online (mixed-mode design). The survey employed a structured questionnaire and internationally validated instruments, exploring not only the prevalence of abuse but also the contexts, grooming patterns, disclosure dynamics, psychological consequences, and the role of social media.

Scientific publication

Harald Dreßing, Andreas Hoell, Leonie Scharmann, Anja M. Simon, Ann-Christin Haag, Dieter Dölling, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Joerg Fegert “Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents: A German Nationwide Representative Survey on Its Prevalence, Situational Context, and Consequences”, Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2025 May 30 (Forthcoming): arztebl.m2025.0076, DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2025.0076. Online ahead of print.

Press contacts

German Center for Mental Health (DZPG)
Dr. Cordula Baums
MASTERMEDIA GmbH
+49 151 70125839
presse@dzpg.org

Central Institute of Mental Health (ZI)
Communications and Media Office
Torsten Lauer
+49 621 1703-1312
presse@zi-mannheim.de