Survivors of Sexual Violence Protest Silently at Berlin's Bundeskanzleramt

On February 17, 2026, nearly 500 individuals gathered in a silent protest before the Bundeskanzleramt in Berlin to demand greater attention and support for survivors of sexual violence, focusing especially on childhood abuse victims. The demonstration was organized by women who are themselves survivors, aiming to break the pervasive silence surrounding sexual abuse in Germany.

Lena Jensen, a 32-year-old survivor and organizer, voiced her frustration that public awareness and political action largely began only after the release of the 'Epstein files.' She urged the Bundestag to hold a 'current hour' to focus on victims' needs, emphasizing, "The perpetrators should be ashamed, not the children. We want to turn this around and never be silenced again."

Participants held childhood photos symbolizing their experiences to advocate for justice and to confront the societal tendency to protect offenders rather than victims. The protest also brought attention to the bureaucratic hurdles survivors face in securing justice and support. Florina Rehfeldt recounted difficulties in obtaining full access to her youth welfare records, which complicated her efforts to understand and confront her abuse history.

The protest lasted about 45 minutes but resonated deeply among attendees. Bonnie Leben, who co-organized the event via social media, expressed commitment to raising public awareness of child protection issues. In 2024, Germany reported 16,354 cases of sexual child abuse, underscoring the urgency of better access to therapy and survivor support services.

This event marks a significant moment in Germany’s ongoing reckoning with sexual violence, as survivors increasingly demand systemic changes and societal recognition of their experiences. It highlights the persistent challenges survivors face, including stigma, bureaucratic obstacles, and insufficient political responsiveness.