Sociologist on child abuse: “People with disabilities are more affected”

People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by sexual abuse. However, they form a minority among the people who have so far been heard by the Federal Independent Commission to Deal with Child Sexual Abuse. The “Open to your story” campaign aims to change that. Barbara Kavemann is a member of the commission and hearing officer, to which 3,219 people have now reported their stories of abuse. These include 131 people with disabilities.

taz: Ms. Kavemann, you are currently calling on people with disabilities to talk about their experiences. Why this campaign?

Barbara Kavemann: We know from research that people with disabilities are more affected by all forms of violence, including sexual abuse, than the average population. But so far the commission has only been able to reach a few.

is a sociologist and has been researching sexual violence in childhood and youth since the 1980s. In addition to her research, she does a lot of volunteer work, including: She is a member and hearing officer of the Federal Independent Commission for the Examination of Child Sexual Abuse.

taz: Where does this strong threat come from?

Kavemann: Information that is naturally accessible to children and young people today often does not reach people with disabilities. For example, if hardly anyone knows sign language and deaf people cannot read well, it is not well communicated where violence begins, what is okay and what is not. And when people don't know, perpetrators have an easier time.

taz: So far, the sexual abuse of people with disabilities has not been sufficiently discussed.

Kavemann: That has to do with how people with disabilities and sexuality are thought of together in society. There are two extremes: On the one hand, people with learning disabilities - we're not talking about intellectual disabilities - are assumed to be terribly sexually charged because some get very physical. Then it's no wonder if the behavior is misunderstood and sexual contact occurs. On the other hand, people think: Who wants something from them? They don't have anything like sexuality. Both are completely wrong assumptions that make education and protection very difficult.

taz: So with this campaign you don't just want to address those affected, but also raise awareness among the general public?

Kavemann: Yes, we need knowledge. This also means well-trained staff in the facilities. There are often protection concepts there, but this is only of any use if it has an impact on everyday work: What do we have to pay attention to, how do we have to talk to people at risk and be in contact with them? Add to that a critical, collegial look – what is the colleague doing, why does he always have the girl on his lap?

taz: So there is a particularly high risk for people who are dependent on physical care?

Kavemann: Yes, the fact that these people cannot defend themselves is often exploited. But there is a big difference between poor care and sexual assault. Poor care can be due to overwork, impatience and no time. However, a sexual assault is always a planned act that takes place in secret. There cannot be 100% protection. That's why it's so important to educate people with disabilities so that they can recognize and name abuse.

taz: And the campaign is only shared via social media?

Kavemann: We have also distributed print material and offer to come to the site in individual cases. But many institutions are hesitant. They fear that discussing sexual violence could lead to psychological and psychiatric problems that the staff cannot deal with. But this is rarely the case. There is also the option of including specialist advice centers. We always do that at our hearings.

taz: Isn't it problematic to awaken memories of violent experiences, especially if they often happened a long time ago?

Kavemann: Those affected often use phrases like “I finally want to speak the truth” because they were forced to remain silent in childhood. If we don't continue to talk about it, it is, firstly, harmful to our health and, secondly, no advice or help can be given. These experiences are also a burden in the present. It's also about recognition, that is, about saying: That was wrong and not your fault. Hearing this can have a liberating effect and is also beneficial for healing.

taz: The hearings are also intended to uncover structures that facilitate sexual abuse.

Kavemann: Yes, many of those affected speak up because they want to prevent this from happening to others. For many people with learning difficulties, sexual harassment runs like a common thread through their lives. This is often still part of everyday life, especially for women who live in institutions. In order to end these violent relationships, they must be clearly identified.

taz: What help can people with disabilities expect? The problem is that many advice centers are not barrier-free.

Kavemann: That's right, deaf people also have big problems getting advice, just like people with learning difficulties. It's not difficult to learn simple language, for example. We also acquired these in order to be able to hold hearings. There is now progress in consulting practice. What is missing are therapies. There are hardly any for people with learning difficulties.

taz: What about criminal prosecution if those affected want to defend themselves?

Kavemann: Only a few people decide to do this; when it comes to sexual abuse, the chances are generally poor. People with learning difficulties are also often viewed as untrustworthy in court. However, we have a hearing officer in Berlin who specializes in such cases and has already achieved some success.

taz: How has the response to the campaign been so far?

Kavemann: Good. We have already received 200 inquiries. This is certainly also due to the fact that the creation process of the video clips was accompanied by a group of experts with different disabilities. That shows well where things should go. Many workshops now have women's representatives from the community who provide information and know where help is available. This should be available in all facilities.