What are Germany's laws on sexual abuse of authority?

Introduction

 

In everyday life, certain behaviors may be perceived by some individuals as “simple” or “normal,” yet under German law, the same behaviors can be considered criminal offenses. One of the most important of these is sexual harassment and any form of sexual conduct without the consent of the other person.

 

In the German Criminal Code, Sections 174 to 184i are dedicated to sexual offenses. This part of the law is titled:

Offenses Against Sexual Self-Determination

(Straftaten gegen die sexuelle Selbstbestimmung)

 

This topic is especially important for individuals working in fields such as kindergartens, schools, healthcare, or counseling services, as the law imposes greater responsibilities and stricter limitations on them.

 

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Section One: Abuse of Authority and Trust

 

§ 174 StGB – Sexual Abuse of Persons Under Protection

 

Legal Text (German):

 

„(1) Wer sexuelle Handlungen an einer Person unter achtzehn Jahren vornimmt, die ihm zur Erziehung, Ausbildung oder Betreuung in der Lebensführung anvertraut ist, oder an sich von ihr vornehmen lässt, wird mit Freiheitsstrafe von drei Monaten bis zu fünf Jahren bestraft.

(2) Ebenso wird bestraft, wer sexuelle Handlungen an einer Person unter achtzehn Jahren vornimmt oder an sich von ihr vornehmen lässt, die ihm im Rahmen eines Dienst- oder Arbeitsverhältnisses untergeordnet ist.

(3) Der Versuch ist strafbar.“

 

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Translation:

 

(1) Any person who performs sexual acts on a person under the age of eighteen who has been entrusted to them for education, training, or care in life, or allows such a person to perform sexual acts on them, shall be punished with imprisonment from three months to five years.

 

(2) The same penalty applies if such acts occur within the framework of an employment or service relationship involving dependency.

 

(3) An attempt to commit this offense is also punishable.

 

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Explanation:

 

If you are a caregiver, teacher, or responsible for minors,

any sexual relationship or behavior with a person under your supervision is considered a criminal offense—even if that person appears to give full consent.

 

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§ 174c StGB – Sexual Abuse in the Context of Counseling or Treatment

 

Legal Text (German):

 

„Wer sexuelle Handlungen an einer Person vornimmt oder von ihr vornehmen lässt, die ihm wegen einer Beratung, Behandlung oder Betreuung anvertraut ist, und dabei die sich aus diesem Verhältnis ergebende Abhängigkeit ausnutzt, wird mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu fünf Jahren oder mit Geldstrafe bestraft.“

 

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Translation:

 

Any person who engages in sexual acts with someone entrusted to them for counseling, treatment, or care, and exploits the dependency arising from that relationship, shall be punished with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine.

 

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Simple Explanation:

 

Individuals working in service professions—such as healthcare or counseling—may be committing a crime if they engage in sexual relationships with their clients or patients.

 

This provision typically applies when the client files a complaint, stating that the service provider proposed or attempted to initiate a sexual relationship.

 

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Section Two: Children (Highly Important)

 

§ 176 StGB – Sexual Abuse of Children

 

Legal Text (German):

 

„(1) Wer sexuelle Handlungen an einer Person unter vierzehn Jahren vornimmt oder an sich von ihr vornehmen lässt, wird mit Freiheitsstrafe von sechs Monaten bis zu zehn Jahren bestraft.

(2) Ebenso wird bestraft, wer eine Person unter vierzehn Jahren dazu bestimmt, sexuelle Handlungen an sich vorzunehmen.“

 

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Translation:

 

(1) Any person who performs sexual acts on a person under the age of fourteen or allows such a person to perform sexual acts on them shall be punished with imprisonment from six months to ten years.

 

(2) Likewise, any person who causes or encourages a person under fourteen to perform sexual acts on them shall be subject to the same penalty.

 

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Explanation:

 

This provision applies to everyone.

Even if a 15-year-old minor attempts to engage in sexual activity with a child under 14, they can be prosecuted under this law.

 

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Conclusion of Part One

 

Abuse of professional position or the trust of others is considered a criminal offense.

 

Children under the age of 14 are fully protected by law. Any sexual relationship with them—even if the child appears to consent—has no legal validity, and the older partner is considered a criminal and must be punished under the law.

 

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Continue Reading in Part Two:

 

Sexual Violence and Offenses in Germany (Part Two)