"Safe!” study

A study on experiences of violence among children and adolescents in Germany. Below you will find detailed information about the study, its aims, its content and the survey process.

 

If you are experiencing distress, many support services are available.

A youth study on experiences of violence and their consequences

In order to effectively protect children and adolescents from violence, we need reliable insights into how often violence occurs, which forms it takes, where children and adolescents seek help – and how that has changed over time. However, there is currently a lack of scientifically reliable data on this. It is essential to conduct such studies on a regular basis, so that we can monitor trends and, by extension, also assess the effectiveness of protective measures.

Logo Safe!-Studie

This is why, in 2026, the Centre for Research on Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents (ZEFSG) will conduct a nationwide survey of 9th-grade students at regular schools in Germany. Young people from 14 years of age and older will be surveyed. The “Safe! – Bundesweite Jugendstudie zu Gewalterfahrungen und deren Folgen” study (“Safe! – Nationwide youth study on experiences of violence and their consequences”) aims to fill in these research gaps and, in doing so, help children and adolescents feel safer in the long term.

The following pages provide detailed information about the study, its aims, its content and the survey process.

Do you have questions about the "Safe!" study?

You can contact the "Safe!” study team as follows:

Study hotline: +49 173 346 2198
E-Mail: safe-studie.kjp@uniklinik-ulm.de

What makes this study special?

As the first nationwide representative survey of young people regarding their experiences of violence, this study gives them a real voice in the conversation. As opposed to previous studies, which have been based on adults’ accounts of their childhood experiences, the "Safe!" study provides current and direct insights into the everyday reality of today’s young people.

One of the areas of particular focus is on forms of violence that are becoming increasingly prevalent in young people's everyday lives – for example, digital violence and peer violence. Especially in these areas, there is currently not a lot of reliable data available.

To obtain the most accurate and internationally comparable results possible, the study uses scientifically validated instruments that are employed worldwide. In this way, “Safe!” creates a reliable foundation to develop and improve protective measures in a targeted manner – providing tailored support precisely where it is needed.

How does the survey work?

Before the survey begins, participating schools receive information materials and consent forms for the young people and their guardians. Working closely with the research team, a convenient date for the interview is then set and suitable facilities are arranged. The survey itself takes place at the school and lasts for a maximum of 90 minutes. The survey is conducted in collaboration with the survey research institute IEA Hamburg.

Part 1 – Support services:

After the survey, the young people receive information on professional support services and available assistance programmes.

Part 2 – Informational video: (approx. 5 minutes) 

Introduction to the topic, violence prevention and guidance on completing the survey.

Part 3 – Questionnaire (approx. 60 minutes):

Digital responses to questions about distressing experiences, living conditions, well-being and support options.

Kinder die an Computern sitzen.

Important to know:

Taking part in the study is voluntary and participants may stop at any point, even during the survey.
The data is collected, stored, analysed and published anonymously and cannot be traced to any individual person.

What questions do you ask?

The school survey uses digital questionnaires on the following topic areas:

  • What types of violence do young people experience?
  • Where does violence occur? – among peers (peer violence), during free time, on the internet, within the family or at school.
  • If help is being sought, and if so, from whom?
  • What was the response to the request for help?
  • Why do survivors sometimes not wish to talk about the violence they have experienced? – e.g. due to fear, shame or insecurity.
  • To what extent do these experiences impact young people's everyday lives?
Eine Reihe von Fragezeichen in Sprechblasen.

What associated support measures are available?

Responding to distressing life events can trigger temporary emotional reactions. However, studies show that people often feel more positive and unburdened after talking about difficult experiences. If the young people still require support during the research project, or after taking part, the study is embedded within a comprehensive support framework. Potential risks of complications before, during and after the survey are thereby systematically taken into account and appropriate preventive measures are implemented to minimize distress and ensure safe participation.

Use of trained specialists

On the day of the survey, qualified specialists are available to the young people in cooperation with local counselling centres – for advice, support and further assistance. The Independent Federal Commissioner Against Child Sexual Abuse (UBSKM) is responsible for planning and funding these measures.

Study hotline:

The study hotline is available during regular school hours to answer any questions about the study.

Information about support services:

In addition, many support services are available.

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