The Commission has contributed to the creation of a report detailing the circumstances in the Netherlands.
The Evangelical Church District of Solingen is currently conducting a comprehensive review of its personnel files in response to allegations of sexualized violence. This investigation, which began in mid-July, covers cases spanning the past 80 years.
The review team, consisting of six external experts, including retired police officers, is diligently working through approximately 2,000 individual personnel files. The goal of this project is to provide a platform for those affected by sexualized violence to share their stories and be heard by the church.
In the Church District of Solingen, the deputy superintendent, Thomas Foerster, is responsible for the prevention and processing of sexualized violence. Simone Tschense and Simone Henn-Pausch, trust persons in the Evangelical Church Circle of Solingen, are available as contact points for those seeking help or guidance on this matter.
Alternative contact points outside the church include the "Fachberatungsstelle bei sexualisierter Gewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche (FABS)" and the "Hilfetelefon Sexueller Missbrauch."
The Evangelical Church Circle of Solingen and the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland have committed to processing sexualized violence. Only in recent years have there been clearly regulated procedures for such cases to ensure appropriate action is taken when reports and complaints are made.
It's important to note that the review team has not yet found any suspicious personnel files, but they remain vigilant for unusual transfers or suspicious behaviour. If suspicious indications are found, further investigation or inquiry by an independent commission may be initiated, findings could be reported to appropriate authorities or church leadership, disciplinary or legal processes against individuals involved may be started, and support and protection for victims would be offered.
However, without official statements or documented updates specific to the Evangelical Church District of Solingen, the exact current status of their review process or specific measures being taken cannot be confirmed. For accurate, up-to-date information, it may be necessary to consult official communications from the Evangelical Church District of Solingen directly or authorized statements from their representatives.
In a bid to prevent new cases, communities, church circles, and the diakonisches werk are implementing training for all employees and protection concepts against sexualized violence. The superintendent, Dr. Ilka Werner, is emphasizing a change in culture and inviting people who have experienced or witnessed incidents or sexualized violence to come forward.
One of the experts on the review team is Dirk Mehling, a retired police officer who previously served as a criminal investigator. The review includes all degrees of sexualized violence, from boundary-crossing behavior to abuse.
First contact can be made via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0212 287 - 301. The goal is to create a basis for those affected by sexualized violence to tell their story and be heard by the church, and to understand how the church can better avoid mistakes or the failure of those in charge in the future.
- Mental health and therapies are crucial in restoring the wellbeing of individuals who have been victims of sexualized violence, as they help survivors cope with their experiences.
- To support holistic health and wellness, the Evangelical Church District of Solingen has pledged to address sexual health concerns alongside mental health, offering appropriate treatments and resources to those in need.
- As part of the church's commitment to addressing sexualized violence, the Evangelical Church District of Solingen has implemented preventative measures like training programs on sexual health and wellness for all employees, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
