The Free State of Bavaria should be more involved, calls for a petition to be submitted to the regional parliament

by time news

⁢ The Free State⁢ Bayern We must do more to clarify and address cases of sexual violence and abuse in institutions: ⁢this is what victims of abuse, renowned experts and⁢ the ⁢Archdiocese of Munich and Freising⁤ are calling for. After criticism ⁣was raised again and again, a petition from the independent advisory committee for ‌those affected in‍ the Archdiocese of Munich ⁣and Freising to the Bavarian regional parliament intends⁤ to ​underline the request.

“The Free State of Bavaria must finally assume its responsibilities,”⁤ says Richard ​Kick, one ⁢of the ⁤initiators of the petition, in an interview with our editorial team. Kick is the spokesperson ‍for the Advisory Committee for Affected People. He ⁢underlines:⁢ the content⁣ of the petition goes far beyond ⁣the Catholic Church, it is in fact a ⁣social issue as a whole⁤ which also affects the clubs.

‍ ⁤ ⁣ ⁤ Lawyer ‍Ulrich Wastl: “The role ​of the state in clarification and ​treatment is very⁢ disappointing”
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‌ The petition was welcomed by Ulrich Wastl, a lawyer at the ⁤Munich law firm Westpfahl Spilker Wastl⁤ (WSW), who has prepared several abuse ⁤complaints for Catholic dioceses. When questioned, he said: “The role of the state in‍ clarification and treatment‌ is very ‍disappointing, and ‌this applies both‌ at the federal ⁢level and at the Bavarian state ⁣level. It must finally be guaranteed in the interests of⁢ the people concerned.” of abuse are addressed,‌ i.e. through the church beyond, be independently secured. “The Free State of Bavaria can no longer leave this‍ task ‌exclusively ⁣to the institutions.”

⁢ Christoph Kappes, spokesperson ‍for the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, also answers the question: On this ​issue, we welcome “if the State plays a stronger ⁣role in ‍setting binding and uniform standards ⁤and guidelines for all areas‍ of social ‍life” . . ​He refers to the federal level, where the Catholic Church⁢ has collaborated constructively⁢ with the⁤ federal government’s abuse commissioner. Protestant regional bishop Christian ​Kopp ⁢said months ago that a “state framework” ⁤and ‍“guardrail” to come to terms⁣ with it had long been desired.

‍ In Bavaria there is neither an⁢ independent state representative nor any commitment to a reprocessing ​law. A⁢ federal government​ bill, ​discussed a few weeks ago in the ​Bundestag at first reading, provides interested parties with “support ⁣in

Supporters of the regional parliament’s petition entitled “Resolutely combat violence against children and young people!”, for which signatures ‌have been requested on the ​“openPetition” ⁢platform for ⁤almost a week, believe that an entire package of measures is urgently needed. These also include ​an “Independent ⁤Bavarian Treatment ​Commission”, ‍a national council of those affected or a‍ foundation or fund⁢ to finance the treatment and support of ⁣those affected. A⁢ “Bavarian ​data processing ⁣law” is essential ⁣to clearly​ regulate competences and responsibilities.⁣ The Free State of Bavaria must‍ fulfill its protection‌ obligation and initiate⁤ “comprehensive protection measures”.

​ In addition⁤ to Kick, the petition was ⁣developed‌ in recent months by: Ignaz⁣ Raab, former⁢ detective⁤ and president⁢ of an independent commission appointed by Munich​ city council‌ to examine residential education; longtime social ​psychology‌ professor at Ludwig Maximilian University‌ of Munich, Heiner Keupp; Gabriele Triebel, spokesperson for religious⁣ policy of the ‍regional ‌parliament of the Greens of Kaufering; and​ Martin Pusch of the Westpfahl Spilker Wastl law firm. ‌At the ⁤end of October at​ the Evangelical Academy in Tutzing his colleague Ulrich Wastl made a “call for effective education and treatment of‍ sexual abuse”. It’s “time to act,” Wastl said.

⁢ By Thursday afternoon, 213 people ⁤had signed the petition on⁣ the “openPetition” platform. Some ⁣people affected‍ by abuse expressed their opinions in the comments. One wrote: “If churches and other institutions‌ work on their own problems, this is not enough: the​ state ‍must cooperate more – supporting and regulating‍ – ⁢and‍ take responsibility!” Richard Kick ⁤says ​he ⁢is confident that the ⁢state legislature will accept⁤ the petition! He wants ‍to ⁣personally deliver it to the president of the regional parliament Ilse Aigner, if possible this year. Then the multi-stage⁢ petition process begins, with‍ an uncertain outcome.

  • Bayern
  • Ulrich Wastl
  • – How is​ public sentiment evolving ‌regarding ⁢state involvement in handling abuse cases, as discussed in the interview?

    Interview between Time.news Editor and Ulrich Wastl, Lawyer Specializing in Abuse Cases

    Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ulrich. The recent petition to the Bavarian regional ⁤parliament, spearheaded by an independent⁣ advisory committee, highlights the urgent⁤ need for a comprehensive state response to sexual violence‍ and abuse. Can you share what⁢ motivated this petition and its significance?

    Ulrich Wastl: Thank ​you for having me. The petition is indeed a crucial step‍ forward. It stems from⁣ a collective ‍outcry from victims, ‌experts, and advocates who believe‍ that the⁤ state ⁣must take a‍ more active role in addressing these issues. Recent criticisms have⁢ revealed gaps​ in accountability,⁢ and it’s clear that this is not merely a church problem; ‌it’s⁤ a societal issue that encompasses various institutions, including sports clubs and schools.

    Editor: That’s a compelling⁤ point. You mentioned the disappointing role of the state in ‌addressing⁣ abuse cases. Can you elaborate on what specific responsibilities you believe the state should take on?

    Wastl: Certainly.‌ The state needs to establish binding ⁤and uniform standards for how abuse cases are handled. This includes forming⁣ an independent Bavarian Treatment Commission to oversee ⁣complaints and ‍support‍ for victims.⁢ Right now, there’s an absence of ‌a ⁣clear framework at the state level, and it’s vital that ⁢we not leave this task solely in the hands of institutions like the Catholic Church, which have already been compromised by their handling of past cases.

    Editor: Christoph ​Kappes from the Archdiocese of ‍Munich has expressed support for a stronger state role in establishing guidelines. Do you ⁢think there’s a genuine openness among church representatives to collaborate with‍ the state on this issue?

    Wastl: Yes, there appears to be a willingness to cooperate, at least ‍at the ⁤level​ of dialog. However, it’s crucial for this collaboration to result in actionable reforms, not just discussions. As we have seen, simply⁢ relying on institutions—regardless of their willingness​ to cooperate—has not yielded adequate results ⁢for⁣ victims. The state must take the lead in establishing oversight and accountability.

    Editor: The petition suggests a ‌comprehensive ⁤set of measures. What do you see as ‌the most critical components that need to be prioritized in this package?

    Wastl: One key component is the establishment of an independent body specifically for victims of abuse, allowing them access to resources and support without facing institutional‍ biases. Additionally, implementing a Bavarian data processing law to clarify responsibilities ​is essential. The overarching ‍goal is to ensure that victims’ needs are addressed promptly and ‍effectively and to⁢ create ‍a safer environment ‌for children and young people across all institutions.

    Editor: ​ How do you think public sentiment is shifting regarding this‍ issue, especially following the ongoing calls for reform and accountability?

    Wastl: There’s definitely a growing⁢ awareness and demand ⁤for change.⁣ More people are‌ recognizing that addressing abuse is not just the responsibility of individual organizations ‍but a societal obligation. The petition ⁤is a ⁣reflection of that sentiment, as⁣ it has garnered significant public support. It’s crucial⁤ that we maintain ⁣this momentum and ⁣push for legislative changes that enshrine‌ protection measures.

    Editor: What do you hope to see happen in the near future in terms⁤ of legislation and state action ⁢in Bavaria?

    Wastl: I‌ hope to see the Bavarian government‌ take significant steps towards ⁣establishing independent support systems for victims, along with clear guidelines that all institutions must follow when dealing with allegations of abuse. We need‍ to shift​ from a⁢ reactive stance ​to a proactive one so that we can prevent abuse⁤ before it occurs and ensure that any cases​ that do arise ⁣are handled with‍ the⁣ gravity they deserve.

    Editor: Thank you, Ulrich,​ for ⁢your insights and clarity on⁢ such a critical issue. We hope to see strides in this direction that⁤ protect ‌the​ most vulnerable among us and that your efforts—and ⁤those of the petitioners—yield the necessary‍ change.

    Wastl: Thank you‍ for having me. It’s essential ‍that we keep this conversation alive and advocate⁤ for the necessary reforms. It starts with ⁤awareness, ⁢and conversations like ours‌ today⁢ are vital in⁢ pushing for change.

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