Shaking report: 189 crossing border in SOS Children's villages!

Shaking report: 189 crossing border in SOS Children's villages!

The topic of violence and abuse in SOS children's villages is again in focus after an independent commission has released terrifying results. In her final report it was found that at least 189 reports about crossing border compared to children have been documented in recent decades. This not only includes physical and emotional attacks, but also serious injuries to privacy and sexual assault. This worrying information that covers the period from 1976 to June 2023, throw a skill light on grievances within the organization.

The analysis of the incidents shows that in about half of the cases, the association's employees were involved. In 20 percent of the incidents, other supervised children were the perpetrators. In many cases, different groups of people were involved in the attacks. This makes it clear that the problem is multi -layered and not only can be attached to individual actors.

Responsibility and processing

Klaus Schäfer, the chairman of the Commission, explained the results and said: "There have been border violations and attacks towards the entrusted children not only in the past at SOS Children's Village, but also in recent time until today." This report is important for the future processing, which should be characterized by compassionate reminders, education and appropriation of suffering.

The SOS Children's Village Organization has originally set itself the goal of offering children a family environment if their own parents cannot provide them for various reasons. This basic mission has now been heavily shaken by the uncovered grievances. The report indicates that around 40 percent of the reported attacks took place in children's village families, with an equally large part to be located in inpatient accommodation in residential groups with around the clock.

Sabina Schutter, the CEO of SOS-Kinderdorf e.V., has announced that it is seriously addressing and implementing the recommendations of the Commission. "The report clearly shows that SOS Children's Village has been wrongly, abuse of power and crossing border almost seventy since its foundation almost seventy," she said. Schutter expressed her deep regret about the incidents and asked all those affected to apologize: "We did not always listen well enough, do not take all the symptoms seriously and not react appropriately. We take responsibility for this."

These words are clear as a clear indication that the organization is willing to face the mistakes of the past, but it is also aware that the processing has not yet been completed. "We promise to pursue every message of injustice that is brought to the attention of us quickly and comprehensively and act in the interests of those affected. Because every case is one too much," she emphasized.

The severity of the allegations shows how urgently a comprehensive rethink within SOS Children's Village is urgently required. Civil society, the parents and the public will carefully observe the developments to ensure that children will be better protected in this facility in the future.

More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report www.main-echo.de .