The anti-abuse law is due to be approved by the federal cabinet on Wednesday. But now the date has been postponed.
There is a hotline, but there is no law yet Photo: Rolf Zoellner/epd/imago
In the late fall of three years ago, many of those affected were hopeful that things would change for the better, at least politically. The traffic light government had included a law in its coalition agreement that placed greater emphasis on sexual violence against children. The so-called UBSKM law, derived from the position of the independent commissioner for child sexual abuse issues, should be firmly consolidated and a permanent abuse commissioner installed.
But now it seems that hope was premature. Since the bill cleared the first parliamentary hurdle in early April 2024, nothing has happened. Until a month ago, countries and associations could comment on the document on Wednesday, which was due to become a government draft. But the date was canceled and postponed until June 5.
Now you could say: This is how it is when wars, budgets and attacks on democracy occupy parliamentarians more than usual. The question, however, is what priorities you set. Climate protection, citizens' money, the minimum wage, internal and external security, health: all important issues that, depending on your point of view, the traffic light has implemented more or less well.
But he also spent months arguing about cannabis legalization, running a legislation center (yeah, what is that anyway?), and coming up with strategies for video game developers. He has studied cryptocurrencies and thought about an expanded definition of wealth.
Certainly not everything is unimportant. But that is in no way a reason not to take care of people affected by sexual violence in childhood, who depend on special help, including from the State. At least one must suspect negligence and ignorance here. Since it cannot be for economic reasons, the expenses are financed, unlike basic child support. The last hope is now for early June.