Berlin's Archdiocese compensates victims amounting to one million euros due to experiences of sexual misconduct
In a significant move, the Catholic Church in Berlin has made financial compensation to victims of sexual violence. Since 2002, the Archdiocese of Berlin has processed a total of 147 cases of sexual violence, with payments totalling approximately 1.9 million euros in recognition payments to the victims.
The most recent payments were made in 2024, where the Church disbursed a substantial sum to victims, amounting to approximately €249,000. Twelve new allegations of sexual violence were received by the Church in 2024, with three of these allegations directed at members of the clergy, seven involving teachers at Catholic schools, and two concerning volunteers.
Nine of the new cases were current, while three referred to incidents dating back ten years or more. The payments made over the past seven years totalled around one million euros.
The report issued by the archdiocese addresses measures taken to intervene, prevent, and process claims of sexual violence between 2018 and 2024. The report outlines the Church's annual efforts to prevent such incidents, as well as the number of new reports and the total sum paid out in so-called "recognition payments".
The Catholic Church in Berlin covers the entire city of Berlin, as well as parts of Brandenburg, the eastern region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the city of Havelberg in Saxony-Anhalt. The payments made by the Church to victims of sexual violence took place in multiple years, demonstrating a commitment to addressing past and present incidents.
It is important to note that some allegations of sexual violence date as far back as 1946, underscoring the need for ongoing efforts to prevent and address such incidents. The Church's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting victims and working towards a safer environment for all.
In the spirit of promoting a safer environment and addressing past atrocities, the Catholic Church in Berlin supports various therapies and treatments for the victims of sexual violence, ensuring their health-and-wellness, including sexual health. This commitment to holistic healing is demonstrated by the financial compensation disbursed in multiple years, amounting to approximately 2.9 million euros over a period of two decades. Apart from this, the church has undertaken extensive annual measures in the field of science, with a specific focus on prevention strategies, to eliminate sexual violence within its institutions.
