Prevention Day in Fulda: Together against sexualized violence!

Prevention Day in Fulda: Together against sexualized violence!

On June 17, 2025, an important specialist day on prevention took place in the “House of the Church” in Fulda, under the motto “Still prevention! Or what”. The event attracted over 100 participants from various pastoral and educational areas who engaged with the topics of protection processes, mindfulness and structural changes. The Prevention Department of the Diocese of Fulda was the organizer of this important event, which also coincided with the publication of the final report of the Independent Commission for Dealing with Sexualized Violence in the Diocese of Fulda on the same day.

Vicar General Dr. In his opening speech, Martin Stanke emphasized the continued importance of prevention work. “Prevention must be understood as a permanent task and attitude,” is his clear message. Birgit Schmidt-Hahnel, the prevention officer, reminded those present that patience, perseverance and perseverance are necessary in prevention work. This is particularly relevant in the context of the repeated concern for the safety and dignity of all people.

Prevention as responsibility

Soft tones are the order of the day in the Catholic university community (KHG) in Fulda. Since the German Bishops' Conference issued the framework for "Prevention against sexualized violence" in September 2013, the KHG has not minced words and developed an institutional protection concept. This concept is intended to promote a “culture of mindfulness” and ensure the inviolability of all visitors. All KHG full-time employees have completed at least six hours of comprehensive prevention training and receive regular training to ensure everyone's safety.KHG Fulda emphasizes the importance of respect and appreciation at all events.

It is particularly tragic that in the run-up to the specialist day, until June 18th, an art installation with the title “in the middle of us - the extent of sexualized violence in our society” can be seen in the Fulda parish church. The installation shows silhouettes in church pews, visualizing the number of those affected and thus pointing to the frightening reality that often suffers in silence.

Diverse offer and exchange

The specialist day not only offered space for lectures, such as those by Björn Mrosko, but also a variety of workshops with creative impulses, including a poetry slam and units on psychological hygiene. These formats were not only intended to impart knowledge, but also as a platform for encounters and dialogue. The aim was to promote practical discussions and enable an open exchange, which was positively received by the participants.

In the context of the overall social concern of prevention, a specialist day also took place in North Rhine-Westphalia on April 1st under the motto “Prevention works in church and society”. This event attracted over 350 participants and highlighted the importance of dialogue between experts from different fields to achieve a profound impact.

As we can see, it is crucial that everyone involved pulls together and that we work with a good hand to raise awareness and educate people. The current times call for clear action and commitment to prevention work.

Further information about the prevention measures and current developments can be found on the websites of the respective institutions: Osthessen News, KHG Fulda and [Arzdiocese Cologne].