Criminal complaint of sexual abuse of children
In Germany there is no legal duty on an individual to report sexual abuse.
Anyone who knows that a child is being sexually abused can file a criminal complaint, for example a neighbor, a friend, a teacher. But you can not withdraw the complaint at a later time.
Applicable paragraphs according of the German criminal code
- Section 174: Sexual abuse of persons in one’s charge
- Section 176: Sexual abuse of children
Where to file criminal complaint
You can file a criminal complaint with...
- the police: all agencies and officers in the police service are obliged to accept criminal complaints. Or you submit a complaint over the online police presence. In a case of an immediate emergency, please always report to the police by calling 110.
- the public prosecutor's office
- the lawyer
More information
- Create a memory protocol (Gedächtnisprotokoll)
- Women have the right to being heared by a female police officer.
- In Germany, Legal aid ("Prozesskostenhilfe") has been established so that people with low income can also demand/defend their rights.
- You are free to choose your lawyer.
- If you have little or no income and would like to seek advice from a lawyer first, you can apply for and receive a so-called "financial aid certificate for counselling" ("Beratungshilfeschein") from the local court responsible for the issue in question.