Defending the innocence of children is everyone's responsibility: acts against sexual abuse and violence
In Bavaria, the Johanniter, a renowned aid organisation, takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to child protection and the prevention of sexualized violence. With over 5,000 employees, nearly 9,100 volunteers, and over 250,000 supporters, they are deeply committed to supporting children and youth.
According to Stefanie Schmidt, head of the department at the Johanniter, child protection is everyone's responsibility. The organisation's measures typically include six key elements:
- Prevention through Education and Awareness: The Johanniter provides training and educational programs for staff, volunteers, children, and parents to raise awareness about the risks, signs, and prevention of sexualized violence. This often includes age-appropriate workshops for children to empower them in recognising and speaking out against abuse.
- Clear Codes of Conduct and Safeguarding Policies: Johanniter organisations implement strict guidelines and codes of conduct for all employees and volunteers, emphasising respectful, secure interactions with children. These policies are designed to create safe environments and minimise risks.
- Safe Environments: They work to create and maintain environments where children feel safe and protected. This includes structural measures in facilities as well as ongoing supervision and careful selection and training of personnel.
- Reporting and Handling Procedures: Clear, accessible reporting mechanisms are established for suspected or disclosed cases of sexualized violence. Johanniter provide confidential and sensitive channels for children, parents, and staff to report concerns without fear of reprisal.
- Cooperation with Experts and Authorities: Johanniter in Bavaria collaborate closely with child protection professionals, psychologists, social services, and law enforcement to ensure appropriate responses to any allegations or cases of abuse.
- Support for Victims: They offer or facilitate access to counselling and psychological support for affected children and their families, ensuring victim-centered and trauma-informed care.
The Johanniter's unique protection concept for each childcare facility in Bavaria includes specific measures to protect children from risks. Parent evenings are offered to provide important information about children's rights and measures to protect against sexual abuse. Parents are made aware of tips to protect children outside the facility as well.
Awareness and clear communication are key elements in preventing sexualized violence against children. Children are taught about boundaries, good and bad secrets, acceptable interactions, and intimate actions. If there is a suspicion of sexualized violence, the Johanniter child protection specialists support colleagues with advice and assistance.
Studies show that children can process experiences if they are believed and receive help early on. If a case of sexualized violence is present, it is important to take the children seriously and believe them. The Johanniter Accident Help in Bavaria has over 30 experienced child protection specialists.
The Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V., a large German aid organisation with over 29,000 employees, 46,000 volunteers, and over 1.2 million supporters, is the umbrella organisation for the Johanniter in Bavaria.
Many victims of sexualized violence suffer for their entire lives, according to Stefanie Schmidt. The protection concept includes visual barriers to prevent external persons from entering and viewing the premises. The Johanniter's approach aligns with the broader principles of child protection and safeguarding promoted by child welfare organisations in Germany, focusing on prevention, protection, and support.
If you are looking for detailed, up-to-date information or policy documents, I recommend reaching out directly to Johanniter in Bavaria or visiting their official channels.
- The Johanniter's health-and-wellness initiatives extend beyond physical aid, prioritizing mental health for children by providing education and awareness programs about the risks, signs, and prevention of sexualized violence.
- The Johanniter's comprehensive approach to child protection also includes science-backed strategies, such as cooperating with child protection professionals, psychologists, and law enforcement to ensure appropriate responses to any allegations or cases of abuse.
