A recent research project, funded by the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Sexual Child Abuse, has examined what it means to have children and parental responsibility after experiencing sexual violence in childhood and adolescence.
One in seven adults experienced sexualized violence in childhood and adolescence
Unreported crime studies show that one in seven adults experienced sexual violence during childhood and adolescence. However, what it means for those affected to have children themselves and assume parental responsibility as adults is still largely unknown. A research project, funded by the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Sexual Child Abuse, has examined this issue.
Over 600 affected people participated
The project was conducted under the direction of Prof. Dr. Barbara Kavemann, sociologist at the Social Science Research Institute on Gender Issues (SoFFI F. within SOCLES) and member of the commission. Over 600 people participated. The research project culminated in a study published today, in which the researchers explored the following questions:
- How do people who experienced sexual violence in childhood feel about having their own children?
- For what reasons do they actively decide for or against having children of their own?
- What fears and worries do they have, and what role does their own personal experience play in this?
- What kind of support do they need?
Personal experience plays a major role
“For many of those surveyed, their own experience of being affected plays a significant role when they consider becoming parents. They critically examine whether they will be able to protect and properly care for their children. A trusting and supportive partnership is often seen as a prerequisite for biological parenthood,” says Prof. Dr. Barbara Kavemann.
The consequences of violence have a profound impact
The researcher adds: “However, the consequences of violence often lead to difficulties in finding and maintaining such a relationship. Experiencing sexuality can also be difficult for those affected and is sometimes impossible. Some respondents decided against having children of their own because they feared that their own experiences of violence could negatively affect their children, for example, that they would burden them too much with the consequences of the violence or would not be able to provide for them adequately due to exhaustion.”
Worries, fears, and skills
Most of the respondents have chosen to have children. While many of the worries and conflicts they face are relevant to all parents, certain challenges emerge that are closely linked to their specific experience of violence. For example, the decision to talk to their child about the sexual violence they have experienced.
Ava Anna Johannson, a survivor and mother of two adult children, participated in the research project and describes this challenge from her own experience: “For a long time, I wasn’t able to talk about my experiences at all. After overcoming my silence, the challenge was to find an age-appropriate way to talk to the children and explain things to them. It was especially important to give them space to ask questions. Since then, we talk about the topic from time to time, and trauma-related negative patterns don’t continue unchecked.”
How can I protect my children?
One issue that concerns many affected parents is how they, who themselves were not protected as children, can protect their own children from sexual violence and cope with the fear of their own failure. Claas Löppmann also participated in the research project. He is the father of three children and a member of the advisory board of survivors at the Independent Commissioner for Questions of Sexual Child Abuse (UBSKM).
Take affected parents' experiences seriously
He is aware of the difficult nature of this issue, but also recognizes the unique skills that parents with a personal history of violence possess, skills that are still far too underutilized by society: "Taking affected parents seriously in their experiences, seeing and listening to them, is, for me, child protection in action. Dealing with one's own trauma can significantly contribute to developing skills in interacting with children," says Löppmann.
“Experienced injustice cannot prevent a sensitive, loving, and protective parent-child relationship. It is important, both in private and professional contexts, to acknowledge this strength in parents, to take their concerns seriously, to recognize dangers, and to seize the opportunities that arise,” adds the father of three.
Recommendations for policy and support system
Based on the results of the research project, recommendations were developed for policy and the support system on how to better support victims of sexualized violence in childhood and adolescence in their family planning, in care during pregnancy and childbirth, and in their everyday lives as parents.
Consideration of affected parents in professional work and in training and further education
This doesn't necessarily require entirely new services. Instead, existing services need to address the issue of parents affected by sexual violence in childhood and adolescence. For example, appropriate informational offerings are needed within the framework of parenting classes, family counseling, and family education programs. This information is also crucial for professionals in social work and education and must be included in their initial and continuing training.
Parenting and family counseling centers must consider the needs of affected parents just as much as specialized counseling centers for sexual violence consider the topic of parenthood. Additionally, it is important to promote exchange and networking among affected parents, for example through self-help groups and initiatives.
Download study: “Parenting after sexual violence in childhood and adolescence”
Source: Independent Commission for the Investigation of Child Sexual Abuse, Press Release , March 4, 2025