Shocking verdict: father convicted – children in fear and terror!

Shocking verdict: father convicted – children in fear and terror!

On September 23, 2025, a 49-year-old was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Krems regional court. He was convicted of continued violence against his underage children and stepchildren in the Gmünd district. The trial, whose guilty verdict is not yet final, focuses on the serious allegations of physical abuse and the locking up of the children. In particular, the abuse is said to have taken place between 2009 and December 2023.

The victims of this targeted violence include a biological son, a biological daughter, and a stepson and a stepdaughter. During his trial, shocking details became apparent: The stepdaughter, born in 2001, was locked in a cellar and wood storage room from the age of eight. An expert diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder, for which therapy was recommended for three to five years.

Long-term consequences of violence

The long-term psychological consequences of childhood violence are well documented. According to that Federal Ministry of Education and Research Maltreatment in early childhood has significant negative effects on psychobiological development. Studies show that the early stages of life are a sensitive period in which ongoing stressors can lead to “biological stress scars” that affect the functioning of the brain.

The effects of abuse often manifest themselves in the form of emotional and social problems. Those affected often have difficulty coping with developmental tasks, which leads to low self-esteem and problems interacting with peers. These individuals are also more susceptible to health risk behaviors in later life, such as drug use or obesity, and often have difficulty forming intimate relationships or achieving stable career success.

Legal consequences and victim support

The defendant denied the allegations of locking up and beating the children, but admitted that he forced his children to kneel as discipline. His victims were ordered by the court to pay “damages” totaling 39,100 euros, reflecting the enormous psychological and physical damage suffered during these years. Two of the affected children are now in foster care or live with relatives.

The role of the defendant's ex-partner, who was also abused, is part of another case. Her situation illustrates how violence often affects not only children, but the entire family. The case was triggered by a complaint from the defendant's son, which underlines the importance of children's voices in coming to terms with abuse.

The prospect of positive changes in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder caused by abusive childhood relationships remains a central concern in psychological research. In an ongoing research project by the ENHANCE network examines how therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused methods can be used effectively in the treatment of these complex disorders. It remains to be hoped that such measures will help to give victims of abuse a chance at a healthy and fulfilling life.