In 2005, the model project for the cause-related prevention of child sexual abuse was launched at the Charité in Berlin under the name ‘Prevention Project Dunkelfeld’. Under the direction of Prof. Dr med. Dr phil. Klaus M. Beier, who worked intensively to establish this therapeutic programme, the Dunkelfeld prevention project developed into the Germany-wide project ‘Kein Täter werden’ that it is today. Some time later, the project was no longer aimed exclusively at people who fear committing an offence in their immediate environment, but also at those who consume images of abuse or are on the verge of doing so.

Despite a great deal of resistance from the population and society, this project was successfully pursued and has continued to develop to this day. Under the project ‘You dream of them’, a support programme aimed at young people was established for the first time. As an association, we particularly welcomed this project because we know from our work in self-help that paedophiles usually notice during puberty that they feel emotionally and/or sexually attracted to children. The project was repeatedly threatened with cancellation. For a time, the Berlin Senate took over the funding. Together with the Volkswagen Foundation and the German Child Protection Foundation "Hänsel und Gretel ’, it was possible to continue. Today, the project is funded by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds and the Federal Ministry of Justice. The last approved funding expires at the end of 2025.

**What happens next?

The situation of paedophiles is coming to a head worldwide. Germany has always been a pioneer in the field of sexology. In the United States, depending on the state, therapists are subject to mandatory reporting. This is usually only the case if there are signs of sexualised violence. However, this decision can be clouded by stigmatisation. Someone who seeks help, perhaps because they feel the need to talk about their problems for the first time, will not be rewarded for doing so if they report it, but penalised. This is one of the major problems that makes it much more difficult for paedophiles from other countries to access help. Medical confidentiality creates a relationship of trust, on the basis of which therapy is made possible in the first place. We have been involved in self-help as a voluntary organisation for many years and provide information on this topic. Many users of our forum found their way to us through ‘Kein Täter werden ’. Conversely, discussions and exchanges about the prevention project often helped new users to overcome their fears and gain the confidence to arrange an initial consultation. An initial consultation that has often paved the way for therapy. If the prevention project Kein Täter werden with its 13 locations in Germany has to close and funding is the responsibility of the respective federal states, then this is a huge step backwards. Even in times of high federal and state spending, we believe that savings should not be made at the wrong end. And certainly not at this one.

Offering paedophiles a place of help and acceptance, supporting relatives and exchanging ideas with other like-minded self-help projects internationally is part of our work at Schicksal und Herausforderung e.V. However, what has also always enriched us greatly has been the opportunity to address the prevention project. Whether it was studies that we linked or contacts with interested parties of all kinds. For us, KTW has always been a friendly, competent and endeavouring contact partner. We very much hope that this will continue in the future.