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Independent Study Finds 344 Abuse Victims in Germany’s VCP

Researchers urge professional safeguards following a multi-year review of abuse in Germany's VCP.

Overview

  • Covering 1973 to 2024, the review describes widespread sexual violence within the association, with more than one-third of documented cases assessed as rapes and many offenses occurring after 2000.
  • Many incidents took place on camps and trips and often involved male group leaders or older youths, with about half of alleged perpetrators aged 18 to 24.
  • Two-thirds of those affected were between 13 and 17 at the time, and 60 percent were female, according to the study.
  • The authors cite structural failings and say the association at times left survivors without support, particularly those abused in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • VCP leaders acknowledge past failures and promise expanded prevention and support, and a 2024 study of the BdP reported similar problems across German scouting.