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The results of a study on abuse in the Protestant church are shown.
© Julian Stratenschulte/dpa
The coordinator of the study on sexualized violence in the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and Diakonie assumes a much higher number of accused and affected people.
“It’s the tip of the tip of the iceberg.
I ask you to take this into account when classifying the numbers and findings,” said Martin Wazlawik from Hannover University of Applied Sciences on Thursday when presenting the study.
Hanover - This has documented at least 1,259 defendants over the past few decades.
The determined case number of 2,225 affected people is based on files from the regional churches and the diakonia, and cases known to the regional churches and diaconal organizations were also included.
Based on their method, the scientists come to an estimated total of 3,497 suspects.
The figures presented “significantly underestimate” the extent, said Wazlawik.
The EKD initiated the study in 2020.
The number of cases is not directly comparable with the results of a study on sexual violence in the Catholic Church that was published in 2018.
After evaluating almost 40,000 personnel files from the period between 1945 and 2014, 1,670 Catholic priests and deacons were accused, to whom 3,677 children and young people could be assigned as those affected.
At the time, scientists emphasized that the number was “a lower estimate.”
Wazlawik continued on Thursday that “no comparisons” could be made with the Catholic Church or other institutions.
“The numbers in no way suggest a lower number of accused in the Protestant church and diakonia.” dpa