Shock in Carinthia: Investigations against employees of a sports club!

Shock in Carinthia: Investigations against employees of a sports club!

In Carinthia, an investigation into an employee of a sports club is currently underway that affect an alarming extent of sexual abuse. According to reports from the ORF Carinthia, up to 30 children are affected. The surveys for this have not yet been completed because the public prosecutor is already involved in several available cases. The suspect, who worked in the club until a few months ago, was entrusted with lawn care in the past and was not active as a young coach, which also tightens the severity of the allegations.

The age group of the affected children ranges from 12 to 15 years and comprises several boys and a girl. Investigations run due to serious offenses, including abuse, the possession of child abuse and the moral risk of people under the age of 16. The initiation of sexual contacts to under -misconduct is also at the center of the investigations. The suspect was discharged due to "inconsistencies related to stuffed utensils", which indicates possible criminal acts.

legal bases

The legal framework for the allegations made can be found in the Austrian Criminal Code. According to § 208 of the StGB, the moral, mental or health development of people under the sixteen is protected. Perpetrators who do actions that endanger this development must expect prison sentence or fines. In particular, § 208 Paragraphs 1 and 2 deal with cases in which children are to be sexually excited or satisfied, and provide for corresponding punishments.

It should be noted that the repetition of such criminal acts in society is a serious threat. A comprehensive discussion about the protection of children is therefore urgently required, especially in the context of the observed increase in sexual assault. In 2022, for example, over 15,500 cases of sexual child abuse were registered in Germany, such as the Crime statistics illustrated.

social reactions

The reports on the incidents in Carinthia are letting a light on a general problem in many communities: protecting institutions to protect children from attacks. The steadily increasing display gradients in recent years are partly the result of increased awareness and willingness to talk in public. Nevertheless, the majority of such acts remain in the dark field, which makes a reliable recording and analysis of the frequency and circumstances of sexual violence on children difficult.

The current investigations and the associated allegations underline the need to strengthen existing protective measures for children and adolescents. It remains to be hoped that these incidents will initiate a broader discussion about the prevention of sexual violence and increase support for affected children and their families.