German Abuse Survivors' Fund Faces Closure, Sparking Calls for Replacement

Advocates criticize the government's decision to end the fund supporting victims of childhood sexual violence without a clear successor in place.

The German government plans to shut down the Fonds Sexueller Missbrauch (FSM) by 2028, with no replacement yet established.
The FSM, created in 2013, has provided tailored financial support for over 33,500 survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including therapy and relocation assistance.
Critics, including the federal abuse commissioner Kerstin Claus, argue that ending the fund without a successor disregards survivors' needs and sends a harmful political message.
The Federal Court of Auditors flagged the fund as non-compliant with budgetary regulations in 2024, prompting the Ministry of Family Affairs to propose its termination.
Advocacy groups and experts demand a legally secure replacement, emphasizing the fund's critical role in addressing gaps left by other support systems.