More Cases of Violence Reported at SOS Children's Village Location in Tyrol

Two individuals have contacted the Tyrolean Child and Youth Advocacy (KiJA) reporting experiences of violence at the SOS Children's Village location Nussdorf-Debant in East Tyrol. These events date back to 1995.

Two Cases of Violence at SOS Children's Village Location Nussdorf-Debant Reported to Tyrolean Child and Youth Advocacy

"One person anonymously reported that they have two acquaintances who were affected by allegations of violence at the SOS Children's Village in Nussdorf-Debant, but did not elaborate further. They inquired whether the affected individuals could contact us. We then explained that they could arrange a personal appointment, anonymously if desired," said Tyrolean Child and Youth Advocate Lukas Trentini in response to an APA inquiry. A second anonymous person reported having experienced violence in Nussdorf-Debant themselves: "A personal appointment was also offered."

Trentini could not provide information on the number of suspicious or accused individuals. He emphasized that the KiJA Tyrol, founded in 1995, is a point of contact for children, adolescents, and young adults up to 21 years old and fulfills the mandate to represent, protect, and promote children's rights. However, due to legally mandated file destruction, the KiJA no longer has all documentation from the past 30 years. "Individuals can contact the KiJA anonymously at any time," Trentini reaffirmed.

Annual Visits by Child and Youth Advocacy to SOS Children's Village Location Nussdorf-Debant Since 2015

"We would like to point out that the KiJA Tyrol, with its external trusted persons, offers consultation hours for residents approximately once a month in the socio-pedagogical facilities of child and youth welfare," explained the Child and Youth Advocate. The SOS Children's Village in East Tyrol has been visited twice a year since 2015: "Since 2024, visits are possible four to five times a year." During the consultation hours, children and adolescents can voluntarily and confidentially address all their concerns and issues to the external trusted persons of the KiJA.

Tyrolean NEOS See Unanswered Questions

The state of Tyrol must certainly face the question of how something like this was possible over the years, criticized the Tyrolean NEOS in a statement on Wednesday. "After all, millions of public funds flowed into the facility, but apparently no one from the responsible professional supervision noticed the serious deficiencies," said club chairwoman Birgit Obermüller. The internal control system of child and youth welfare must be questioned. "I also wonder how it is possible that the SOS Children's Village was able to make large compensation payments without anyone noticing. After all, it involves public funds," said Obermüller. She announced several inquiries in the Tyrolean state parliament in November. Once again, the NEOS criticized the apparent savings in the social sector announced by the black-red state government.

(APA/Red)

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