Specialized advice on sexualized violence against children and young people
Sexualized violence against children or adolescents is any sexual act performed on or in front of a child. Perpetrators use their position of power and authority or the child's emotional connection to them to satisfy their own needs at the expense of the child. Children and young people can never knowingly consent to this situation due to their particular physical, psychological and linguistic condition, even if perpetrators often try to convince them of this. Sexualized assaults and sexualized violence are always a massive intrusion into the physical self-determination of children and adolescents.
The Psychological Counselling Centre provides a specialized service that includes crisis intervention, psychosocial diagnostics and counselling. It is aimed at affected children and young people, their parents or caregivers and professionals.
Counseling is free of charge, takes place promptly and can be conducted anonymously if required. The office against sexualized violence can be contacted via the secretariat of the Psychological Counselling Centre or by email at sg-beratung@hilden.de.
Support for parents and close caregivers
When parents or close caregivers learn that their own children have been affected by sexualized violence, they too often experience strong feelings of anger, powerlessness and bewilderment. It is therefore important to know that parents are also entitled to support in this situation.
You can contact us whether you have general questions, are simply unsure or are concerned that your child may have been affected by sexualized violence.Do you have any questions about your child's sexual development?
As a parent, it's natural to ask questions about your child's sexual development. Sometimes certain behaviors can be unsettling - and you may wonder whether they are normal or could indicate stressful experiences.Has your child experienced sexualized violence or are you worried that something may have happened to them?
You may have a bad feeling or notice changes in your child's behaviour - and wonder whether something may have happened to them. The suspicion of sexualized violence or boundary violations is stressful and raises many questions. We are here for you if you need someone to talk to and assess your observations and feelings.Is your child currently affected by sexualized violence? Has your child confided in you or another person?
Then one thing is important above all: protection for your child and quick, but also well-considered help. It is important that your child receives safe support now and that you are not alone. Contact the specialized psychological counselling service! We will help you further and also put you in touch with other agencies that can help you if you are acutely worried.Dear children and young people, we are here for you!
Do you have any questions about sexuality? Sexuality is a big topic that can give rise to many questions. No matter what concerns or interests you - you can talk about it openly and confidentially here.
Would you like to talk to a neutral person about boundaries or boundary violations?
Sometimes there are questions or concerns that you would rather talk about with someone who is not part of your family or circle of friends, but who you can still trust. And who is familiar with the subject! If you want to talk or simply need someone to talk to, we are here for you.Have you been told by a friend that they have experienced sexual boundary violations?
It can be worrying if you learn that other children or young people are not being treated well. If this worries you, you can talk to us about it - we will listen and find help so that you are not alone with this knowledge.Have you been subjected to sexual assault yourself or have you experienced it in the past?
If someone - whether a child, young person or adult - touches you in a way that doesn't feel right or you experience sexualized violence, you don't have to be alone. We know that the thought of talking about it is often very frightening. Maybe because you have been forbidden to talk about it, or maybe because the person who is being abusive to you is someone you know well and is close to you. Help is available and we are here to support you.Support for specialists
Do you have questions about how you can help children or young people after sexualized violence?
Dealing with those affected requires specialist knowledge and empathy, but is also a particular challenge. If you have any questions or are looking for support on how to support children and young people sensitively, we are here to provide you with advice and practical help.
Are you worried about children or young people who behave in a sexually transgressive manner?
Sexual assaults among children and young people are complex issues that require careful responses and strategies. We will be happy to advise you on how you can act preventively and intervene in order to provide the best possible support for those affected and those involved.Do you suspect that a child or young person has experienced or is experiencing sexualized violence?
Suspicion requires an effective but also cautious approach and clear courses of action. We will help you to assess the suspicion professionally and provide you with guidance for the further protection and support of the child or young person.