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”
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.
– 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.