Bavarian lawmakers endorse state-wide abusive practices
In a significant move towards addressing the issue of institutional violence, the Bavarian State Parliament has lent its support to the creation of an investigation commission, an independent hotline, and a counseling center for victims of sexual abuse.
Kerstin Claus, the Federal Commissioner for Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth, has emphasised the importance of strong political structures in the federal states for the protection of children and young people, with decisions being made locally.
The Bavarian State Government, in response, has taken steps to establish a robust support network for victims of abuse and sexual violence. Bavaria has already created a hotline and counseling center, and the state commissioner against sexual abuse, a victims' council, and an independent investigation commission are seen as potential game-changers by Claus.
The CSU/Free Voters coalition has also expressed its support for a petition aimed at helping victims and not protecting perpetrator organisations, a move that has been welcomed by many.
However, criticism has been raised regarding the current system, where investigations are often left solely to the organisations where the abuse occurred. The petition calls for an independent Bavarian investigation commission to examine allegations or evidence of systemic violent practices within various institutions.
This commission, if established, would likely focus on uncovering facts, holding accountable responsible parties, and proposing reforms, much like similar commissions in other regions. The commission's progress and future agenda can be found on the official Bavarian State Parliament (Bayerischer Landtag) website or by contacting the parliament's press office or relevant committee directly.
Victims have long demanded stronger political engagement in addressing abuse cases, and the Bavarian State Parliament's support for these demands is a positive step forward. All factions in the Social Affairs Committee have backed the petition, and numerous bishops of the Catholic Church, Protestant church, and other institutions have also taken action, commissioning studies on abuse cases, setting up victims' councils or commissions.
The petition also calls for a state commissioner against violence in institutions, similar to the federal office of the Independent Commissioner for Questions of Sexual Abuse of Children (UBSKM), and a statewide victims' council. The CSU/Free Voters coalition is currently examining whether a separate state commissioner or a separate Bavarian investigation law would make sense.
Richard Kick, spokesman for the victims' council of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, has demanded quick action, while Gabriele Triebel (Greens) has stated that there is a gap in independent investigation that needs to be closed. The goal of the petition is to combat "sexualized, physical, psychological, spiritual, and bureaucratic violence" in all institutions, not just churches.
In conclusion, the Bavarian State Parliament's investigation commission, if established, could play a crucial role in addressing the issue of institutional violence. For the most up-to-date information on the commission's progress and future agenda, it is recommended to check the official Bavarian State Parliament website or contact the parliament's press office or relevant committee directly.
- The Bavarian State Parliament's support for an investigation commission aims to address the issue of institutional violence, particularly focusing on uncovering facts, holding responsible parties accountable, and proposing reforms to prevent violence in all institutions.
- The Bavarian State Government's efforts towards addressing abuse and violence have extended to establishing an independent hotline, counseling center, state commissioner against sexual abuse, victims' council, and an investigation commission.
- Strengthening policy and legislation is vital for the protection of children and young people, as advocated by Kerstin Claus, the Federal Commissioner for Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth, who emphasized the need for strong political structures in the federal states.
- The petition, supported by the CSU/Free Voters coalition, calls for an independent Bavarian investigation commission to examine allegations or evidence of systemic violent practices within various institutions, including churches, and proposes the establishment of a state commissioner against violence in institutions.
