Authorities have enacted an action regarding:
In Germany, sexual offenses are categorised as 'crimes against sexual self-determination' and are regulated under § 177 of the Criminal Code (StGB). This includes rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion.
One of the most concerning aspects is the prevalence of sexual violence against children. Around 30 percent of suspects in cases of child sexual abuse are adults aged 40 and above. However, it's important to note that the detailed age distribution of suspects in sexual offenses against children, specifically those who are at least 40 years old, is not explicitly stated in publicly available summary statistics or reports.
Rape myths, stereotypical views that suggest sexual assaults often occur by strangers in public spaces, involve high levels of violence, strong resistance, and visible injuries, can lead to victims questioning whether their experiences constitute rape if they don't fit these stereotypes. This is a significant barrier to reporting and seeking help.
The recognition of marital rape as a criminal offense was introduced in 1997, marking a significant step forward in protecting victims. Homosexual acts between men were finally decriminalized in 1994.
Perpetrators of sexualized violence are mostly people from the social environment, such as acquaintances or friends, or people from the family environment or (former) partners. This underscores the importance of creating safe and supportive environments to prevent such crimes.
Factors that increase the likelihood of reporting include a strong evidence base, a higher severity of the act, and support from the help system and the social environment. Unfortunately, many victims choose not to report due to shame, fear, or doubts about the success of police investigations.
In recent years, efforts have been made to address various forms of sexual harassment. The criminalization of "catcalling" is currently being discussed, and sexual harassment was introduced as an independent criminal offense in 2021. Voyeurism, exhibitionistic acts, and the distribution of youth and child pornographic content are also regulated under the StGB.
The "non-consent solution" ("No means No") was introduced at the end of 2016, further strengthening the protection of victims. However, there is still much work to be done to address the deep-rooted issues surrounding sexual violence and to ensure that victims feel safe and supported to come forward.
It's crucial that we continue to challenge and dismantle rape myths, support victims, and work towards creating a society where sexual violence is not tolerated.
