The Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (in German) investigates abuse in institutions and in the family environment in Germany. Its aim is to uncover structures which made sexual abuse on children and adolescents possible in the past and which prevented inquiry. At the centre of its work are hearings with victims and survivors throughout Germany. The first confidential hearing took place in September 2016.

The German parliament welcomed the intention of the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues to set up an Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse by passing a resolution on 02 July 2015 (in German). On 26 January 2016, the Commissioner appointed the seven members of the Commission.

The establishment of a commission had for years been a key demand of victims and survivors.

Specific proposals for this had already been discussed in 2013 at a public independent Inquiry hearing. A list of demands outlined key aspects of a Commission of Inquiry. At an expert discussion regarding the independent Inquiry on 26 January 2015, experts who had already gained practical experience into the Inquiry concerning cases of abuse, discussed the Independent Commissioner’s proposal for an Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse. On 30 January 2015, members of parliament at a first cross-party plenary debate (in German) recommended setting up an independent commission for systematic inquiry.