Kerstin Claus, born in Munich in 1969, is a journalist and systemic coach. She has been involved in the field of sexual violence against children and young people for many years, both professionally and voluntarily, and since 2015 also in policy and strategy consulting. At the suggestion of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), the Federal Cabinet appointed Kerstin Claus as the new Independent Commissioner for Issues of Child Sexual Abuse (UBSKM) by cabinet decision of March 30, 2022. She assumed office on April 1, 2022. Her term of office is for a period of five years.

Claus has served, among other positions, as a member of the Victims’ Council of the UBSKM (2015–2022) and the National Council against Sexual Violence against Children and Young People (2019–2022), advising politicians and institutions on issues of prevention, intervention, support, and reconciliation. As a commissioner, she is not bound by instructions. Organizational, personnel, and financial support will be provided by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMBFSFJ).

The Act to Strengthen Structures Against Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents will enter into force on July 1, 2025. The UBSKM Office, as well as the Victims’ Council and the Commission for the Investigation of Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents, will then be permanently enshrined in law.

Further Information:

beauftragte-missbrauch.de/ueber-uns/die-beauftragte