The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany

History and composition

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was established in 2016 by Johannes-Wilhelm Rörig, the independent commissioner. By doing this he met the long-standing and central demands of the survivors to establish a body that could independently investigate sexual violence against children and adolescents in all of its contexts. The basis for establishing it was a supporting resolution adopted by the German Bundestag in July 2015.

The commission's work was initially limited until March 31st, 2019. The term was extended by cabinet resolution in December 2018. On November 15th, 2023, the Federal Cabinet decided on a further extension until the end of 2025. The members of the commission are experts from various fields, such as law, education and social sciences, psychology, medicine and politics. They work on a voluntary basis.

Working methods and objectives

The focus of the work and central source of knowledge for the commission are nationwide hearings involving the survivors and eyewitnesses. To date, around 1,500 of these confidential hearings have been held and around 600 written reports have been received. The commission also conducts public hearings and holds specialist events as well as providing case studies and expertise on specific key issues.

The commission also prepares reports and recommendations for institutions, politics and society based on the descriptions given by the survivors and eyewitnesses. It also explains what needs to be changed so that sexual violence against children and adolescents can be prevented in the future and what can be done by politics and society to recognise the suffering experienced by the survivors.