Sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults – contact details for victims
Sexual abuse is a despicable crime. Victims of sexualized violence need to be treated with particular care. They must be protected and offered support and guidance. The Generalate of the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen acts in accordance with the “Regulations for dealing with sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults in the area of responsibility of religious orders” of the German Conference of Superiors of Religious Orders (DOK) in the version dated 24.10.2023. We encourage persons who have been victims of sexual abuse by a member of the Generalate of the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen or a person acting on behalf of the Generalate, or who wish to report sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults, to proceed as follows:
- You contact the local police authority with a complaint.
- Please contact one of the two contact persons for suspected cases of sexual abuse at the Generalate of the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen.
- Please contact the Superior General of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen (Sr. M. Karin Berger, Kloster Siessen 6, 88348 Bad Saulgau, Germany)
Independent contact persons for suspected cases of sexual abuse:
In Germany, people seeking help can use the federal government’s website “Abuse Help Portal” to find a specialist advice center in their area.
Prevention consultant:
Please note that for incidents of abuse in the area of responsibility of the Provinces of Germany, South Africa or Brazil, the contact persons there are responsible.
German Province: Prevention and Intervention
South African Province: Sr. M. Emmanuela Khwepe
Brazilian Province: Sr. Rosa Maria Severino
If you are not sure who is responsible for you, we will be happy to provide you with information.
