Sexualized violence against children in MV: Alarming figures in 2024!

Sexualized violence against children in MV: Alarming figures in 2024!

In Germany, the issue of sexual violence against children and young people has remained highly explosive in recent years. The current report from the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Criminal Police Office (LKA) shows that a total of 606 children and young people were victims of such acts in 2024. Although this number represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, the situation remains alarming. The high number of unreported cases in particular is causing concern among experts. Loud Wismar.fm The majority of these attacks originate in the domestic environment, with perpetrators often coming from the victims' close social circle.

As an investigation by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) shows, the risks in the digital space have increased in recent years. The Federal Commissioner for the Sexual Abuse of Children, Kerstin Claus, recently emphasized that children have the right to grow up safely - both offline and online. This demand becomes even more urgent when you consider that almost 60% of perpetrators have a previous relationship with the children affected. In particular the phenomenon of Cyber ​​grooming, in which sexual contact with minors is targeted over the Internet, is an alarming development. Cybergrooming is now a criminal offense in Germany and is punished with prison sentences of three months to ten years.

The digital threat

At a time when more and more children and young people are active online, cybergrooming is a growing problem. Loud Child Protection Association Social networks, online games and messaging apps are hotspots for such attacks. A study has shown that children aged 8 to 12 are particularly affected. It is very important that parents and educators recognize the risks on the Internet and inform children about the dangers.

As part of the presentation of the federal situation report “Sexual crimes to the detriment of children and young people 2024”, Kerstin Claus pointed out that the recording of youth pornographic content has increased by over 8%. This is another indication of the increasing challenges facing society. There is an urgent need to raise awareness of this issue, especially when it comes to protecting children in the digital space.

Necessary measures for prevention

Experts agree: the need for action is enormous. Necessary measures include comprehensive information for children, young people and their parents about the risks on the Internet. A new study by the North Rhine-Westphalia State Media Authority has shown that a quarter of all children have already been affected by cybergrooming. UNICEF adds that 83% of young people demand more protection online.

There are calls for digital, safe spaces to be created for children where adults do not have access. There should also be clear legal requirements for the technical implementation of such “safe spaces”. Device manufacturers should also become more involved and introduce security standards for mobile devices. This is the only way to ensure that children can grow up protected in virtual space.

Protecting children from sexual violence requires a rethink and comprehensive prevention measures. In view of the high number of cases and the constant threats posed by digital phenomena, it is essential to advance the discussion about child and youth protection and to find suitable solutions.