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Total score
6.8
Germany
Germany is the second best performer among G7 countries, but has still made only limited progress on ending childhood sexual violence at home and around the world.
2025 Policy indicators for Germany
Germany scores exceptionally well on financial indicators, exceeding the 0.7% target for Official Development Assistance with 0.82% of GNI in 2023 (1), while contributing a comparatively high amount to UNICEF (USD 10.93 per capita) (2). However, the 2025 federal budget saw a 23% reduction to development funding, putting progress at risk (3).
Germany has made partial progress on abolishing criminal statutes of limitations in relation to childhood sexual violence, but more legal reforms are required (4). As an EU member state, Germany must champion the approval of the recast Directive 2011/93/EU, which would mandate a strong minimum statute of limitations for childhood sexual violence offences in all EU countries.
Germany has some protections in place to foster a safe internet, but they are inadequate. According to Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) data, 12,984 URLs displaying child sexual abuse imagery were hosted in Germany in 2023 (5). As an EU member state, Germany must champion an EU Regulation on Child Sexual Abuse which would mandate detection and removal of all forms of childhood sexual violence across all online platforms.
Germany demonstrates exemplary leadership with its government-supported National Survivors Council. In March 2025, significant legal reforms made the Independent Commissioner, the Survivors Council, and the Independent Inquiry statutory bodies (6).
While Germany has previously developed a National Action Plan to tackle childhood sexual violence, implementation varies across states and municipalities (7). The United Nations Special Rapporteur has called for Germany to establish a comprehensive national child protection strategy with an oversight mechanism to harmonise approaches across the country (8).
- OECD. (2023). ODA as percent of GNI (grant equivalent) in 2023, by Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members.
- UNICEF. (2023) Funding Compendium.
- Rosa Luxemburg Siftung. (2024). The German Government’s Devastating Cuts to Foreign Aid.
- Miguel Hurtado et al. (Forthcoming). SOLs Report.
- Internet Watch Foundation. (2023). Annual Report 2023.
- We have consulted with leading survivor advocates across the G7.
- Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. (2011). Plan of Action 2011 of the Federal Government of Germany for the Protection of Children and Teenagers from Sexual Violence and Exploitation
- United Nations. (2024). Germany: Special Rapporteur calls for consistent approach to child protection across the country.
Insights from our #BeBrave members in Germany
Blog
From silence to leadership: how national survivor councils can drive prevention, healing and justice
Establishing National Survivor Councils to ensure survivors shape child protection.
April 24, 2025
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Blog
We can end violence against children - here’s the proof from the last seven days
Three countries, three big wins in the last seven days in the fight to end violence against children.
May 20, 2025
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en
Indicators
- Financial investment in development aid for childhood protection
- Elimination of statutes of limitations in relation to childhood sexual violence in criminal law
- Implementation of national action plans or strategy to address childhood sexual violence
- Engagement with survivors through a government-supported or endorsed national survivor council
- Safe internet
