Violence prevention and FLIPS AWAY!

Author & police officer Tom Rechl on the problem of sexual violence against children [5 min]

As a long-time youth officer with the police and a former psychology student, I have gained deep insights into the complex issue of sexual violence against children in Germany and Austria. My experiences have motivated me to develop prevention programs and offer workshops to empower children and prevent abuse.

Tom Rechl with copies of the FLOSSEN AEG! magazine version

Causes of sexual violence against children

The causes of sexual violence against children are complex and often intertwined. Over the years, I have repeatedly observed that there are no simple explanations, but rather an interplay of various factors:

• Abuse of power and need for control: Perpetrators often exploit their position of authority or their relationship of trust with children to satisfy their own needs for power and control.

• Lack of awareness of wrongdoing: Some perpetrators rationalize their behavior and do not see it as harmful. They downplay the impact of their actions on the victims.

• Low self-esteem: Children with low self-esteem are particularly vulnerable due to their needs for affection, recognition, and appreciation.

• Social isolation/loneliness: Loneliness is once a powerful emotion. A key perpetrator strategy is to isolate the child emotionally and physically from their caregivers. If a child already feels isolated, this helps the perpetrator.

• Lack of understanding of boundaries: One of the most significant risk factors lies in insufficient education or a lack of understanding of boundaries. Children who lack an understanding of boundaries find it difficult to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

• Poor communication: Children who haven't learned to freely express their feelings to their parents can become distant, isolated, and insecure. Out of fear of getting into trouble, being judged, or being exposed, they often keep the abuse secret.

• Digital media as a tool for committing crimes: The increasing use of digital media by children opens up new possibilities for perpetrators to make contact and initiate attacks[1].

Recognition of sexual violence

As a youth services officer, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of sexual violence on children. The consequences for those affected can vary greatly. Signals or symptoms that might indicate sexual violence are often not clearly recognizable. “Clear” signs, such as injuries in the genital or anal area, are rather rare, and the symptoms that do occur are not specific.

Children therefore need an attentive environment that is sensitive to behavioral problems and changes. Possible signs could include:

• Psychological consequences: Depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and low self-esteem are common consequences of sexual violence.

• Behavioral abnormalities: Affected children often show changes in behavior such as social withdrawal, aggressive or sexualized behavior, anxiety, and sudden declines in school performance.

• Physical symptoms: Psychosomatic complaints such as headaches or stomach aches, eating disorders or sleep problems may occur.

Other long-term consequences may include:

• Relationship problems: Many victims struggle to build healthy relationships and develop trust. Sexuality can be understood either as a means of receiving tenderness and loving affection, or it can lead to a complete rejection of intimate relationships.

• Revictimization: Unfortunately, there is an increased risk that victims will become victims of sexual violence again.

Prevention and Intervention

In my work as a youth officer and through my prevention programs, I have recognized how important it is to empower children and equip them with the tools to protect themselves from abuse. This is precisely the aim of the picture and coloring book " FLINS AWAY! Empowering Children. Preventing Abuse. "

• Education and communication: It is crucial to talk to children openly and in an age-appropriate manner about sexual violence. The book "FLOSSEN WEG!" offers an ideal starting point for parents and children.

• Boosting self-confidence: Children need to learn to say "no" and defend their boundaries. The illustrations and stories in the book convey this message in a child-friendly way.

• Identifying trusted individuals: Children should know who they can turn to in an emergency. The book suggests that parents and children work together to name such trusted individuals.

• Bodily autonomy: It is important to teach children that their bodies belong to them and that no one, including their parents, has the right to touch them against their will.

• Digital competence: In an increasingly digital world, children also need to be trained in the use of online media in order to recognize potential dangers[1]. The “stranger perpetrator” now largely operates online and finds his victims there.

The significance of the book "FLINS AWAY!"

As a prevention expert, I see the book FLINS AWAY! as a valuable tool for parents, educators, and of course the children themselves.

Reading together with parents:

• Create a trusting atmosphere to talk about sensitive topics.
• It allows parents to observe and respond to their children's reactions.
• Provides starting points for further discussions about boundaries and self-determination

Children's self-entertainment:

• Allows children to engage with the content at their own pace.
• Coloring promotes the creative processing of the topics.
• Repeated viewing reinforces the preventive messages.

Lessons and workshops:

• Serves as an ideal introduction to the topic of sexual violence prevention
• Provides structured material for teaching and learning to teachers and workshop leaders.
• Enables interactive exercises and role-playing games based on the book scenarios.

In my work as a youth officer, I have often witnessed how difficult it can be for adults to talk to children about sexual violence. The book FLOSSEN WEG! overcomes this hurdle by creating a child-friendly yet direct approach to this important topic.

Challenges in prevention

Despite all our efforts, we face some challenges in preventing sexual violence against children:

• The taboo surrounding the topic: Many adults are reluctant to speak openly about sexual violence. This makes education and prevention more difficult.

• Lack of resources: Schools and youth institutions often lack the necessary financial and personnel resources for comprehensive prevention programs.

• Digital developments: The rapid development of digital media requires constant adjustments in prevention work to keep pace with new dangers[1].

• Underreporting of cases: Despite declining official figures, experts assume a high number of unreported cases. Many cases are never reported or detected [2].

Successes and positive developments

In recent years, some encouraging developments have been observed:

• Increased awareness: Public awareness of the issue of sexual violence against children has risen. This leads to greater attention and a greater willingness to take preventative measures.

• Improved legislation: In Germany and Austria, the legal framework for the protection of children has been tightened.

• Digital support services: Young people can easily seek and find help via various internet platforms[1].

Conclusion and Outlook

I am convinced that we are on the right track in preventing sexual violence against children . The combination of education, empowering children, and innovative approaches like the book "FLOSSEN WEG!" ( Lift Your Hands Away! ) provides a solid foundation for effective prevention work.

Nevertheless, we must not let up in our efforts. Every case of sexual violence against children is one too many. It is up to all of us – parents, educators, police, and society – to work together to ensure that children can grow up safe and carefree .

"FLOTS AWAY!" is an important component of this. It allows us to empower children in a playful yet serious way and give them the tools they need to protect themselves from abuse. By taking children seriously, listening to them, and supporting their self-determination, we create an environment where sexual violence has no place.

Let us work together to create a future where every child can grow up safe, confident and free from fear.

Prevention means being one step ahead of critical situations through appropriate behavioral strategies. And that's exactly what FLOSSEN WEG! enables us to do – to be one step ahead in order to protect and empower our children.

Sources:

[1] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/dachau/podiumsdiskussion-smarte-komplizen-1.4218315

[2] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/dachau/podiumsdiskussion-vertrauen-ist-das-zauberwort-1.4221575