Explanatory films on sexual abuse

In 2010 the federal government established its own office to deal solely with what can be done to combat child sexual abuse and how the survivors can be better helped.

The office’s name is: The Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues
Short name: UBSKM.

The independent Commissioner and her team inform politicians and society about child sexual abuse. They raise awareness about the issue and develop various initiatives and services to combat sexual violence inflicted on children and adolescents.

Any sexual act committed by adults with or in front of a child is child sexual abuse.
The sexual act took place either against the will of the minor or without knowing consent being given. In specific terms this means: the children and adolescents involved could not consent at all because they were dominated by the adult perpetrator.

Sexual abuse is an attack on the whole person of the child, on his basic trust, his psychological and physical inviolability. The perpetrators use their position of power for this purpose. This is why we also speak of sexual violence. Because sexual abuse is a form of violence. Sexual acts in front of or with children under the age of 14 are always sexual violence and always punishable.

Sexually abusing children is punishable by law. The video gives a few clear examples of punishable acts: French kissing a child. Performing sexual acts on a child's body. Allowing oneself to be sexually satisfied by a child.

Another criminal form of sexual abuse is so-called child pornography. This covers creating, possessing and distributing abuse images, such as images and films showing children being abused.

In general, it is important to know that: sexual violence always starts with small physical transgressions. Not every transgression is punishable.
But: Every sexual act hurts children

Be attentive. If you have a strange feeling, don't dismiss it, but don't look into it on your own.
Stay open to other explanations.

There are many issues that can upset children and cause them to behave differently than usual. However, never rule out sexual violence from the outset.

Stay calm. Please think of the child first and foremost and refrain from hasty reactions. If you have a suspicion or a hunch that someone is sexually abusing a child:
Do not approach the suspect.

There are no pointers that unequivocally point to sexual violence. In most cases there are no physical signs or injuries that can be clearly attributed to sexual abuse.

Be attentive to whether children change suddenly or over a period of time and if they are behaving completely differently than usual. You might notice recent aggression or tiredness or even sleeping disorders. You might also notice that children are hurting themselves, suddenly gaining weight or even losing weight.