Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has recorded more than 17,000 cases of sexual violence against children in the past year. However, experts warn that the actual number is significantly higher, as many incidents go unreported.

The Cologne-based nonprofit Zartbitter e.V., which has supported young victims for nearly four decades, reports handling numerous unreported cases daily. Psychologist Leonie Kirschstein noted that peer violence and cases involving very young children are often not reported to police.

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 1 million children and adolescents in Germany have experienced or are currently experiencing sexual violence by adults. This means an average of one to two children per classroom are affected.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the situation as alarming and called for better protection, especially in the digital realm. He is pushing for a law to allow retention of IP addresses for three months to help identify perpetrators.

BKA President Holger Münch warned about "cybergrooming," where adults contact minors online for sexual purposes. Over 98% of perpetrators are male, averaging 24 years old, while victims are predominantly female and under 12.

Independent Federal Commissioner Kerstin Claus highlighted a dramatic increase in "sextortion" cases, affecting nearly one in three adolescents aged 14-17. She urged that sextortion be classified as a distinct sexual offense to better combat online sexual violence.

Source: www.dw.com