Effective protection of children and adolescents from violence requires reliable data on how often violence occurs, the forms it takes, where those affected seek support, and how these factors change over time. However, there is currently a lack of scientifically reliable data on this topic. In order to track developments and evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures, regularly conducted studies are therefore essential.
Based on a recommendation by the National Council against Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents, the Safe! study aims to close this research gap. In autumn 2026, approximately 10,000 ninth-grade students at general education schools across Germany will be surveyed anonymously.
This will allow the study to investigate the hidden extent of sexual violence against children and adolescents and give a voice to those affected. The results of the Safe! study will also feed into the report of the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues (UBSKM) to the German Bundestag, Bundesrat, and Federal Government, thereby providing a foundation for evidence-based policymaking as well as improved prevention and support measures regarding sexual violence. In addition to its scientific relevance, the study particularly aims to sustainably strengthen the sense of safety among children and adolescents.
Further information about the study can be found on the ZEFSG website.
For the implementation of the Safe! study, the UBSKM has established and commissioned the Center for Research on Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents (ZEFSG). This center is affiliated with the German Youth Institute (Deutsches Jugendinstitut e. V., DJI) and is supported by Ulm University Hospital in the development of the questionnaire and the recruitment of schools.
As IEA, we are working on behalf of Ulm University and, within the framework of the study, are responsible for drawing the school sample, the technical implementation of the online questionnaire, communication with the 300 participating schools, and the training and coordination of the test administrators.