Sexual abuse in German schools is rarely ever investigated

[Jim Burton]

https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-schools- ... a-75002192

At least one child in every class in Germany ― meaning one in 25 to 30 kids ― is affected by sexual abuse perpetrated by teachers, other school staff, or fellow students, often with serious consequences for their lives and careers.

That's the estimate put forward by the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse. A study by the commission

shows that students who suffer sexual abuse in schools are routinely failed by the school system.

"Often there were bystanders who prioritized collegiality over the protection of the children, ignoring or even covering up abuse to protect the school's reputation," members of the investigating commission explained in a press conference on Wednesday. "They found that the victims developed their own strategies to escape the violence, such as skipping school or repeating a grade." The latter could mean not having class with the teacher who abused them anymore.