German church abuse survivor's claim for higher compensation rejected

BERLIN

A German court on Friday rejected a church abuse survivor's claim for additional compensation, despite evidence of lifelong psychological trauma and an inability to work.

The regional court in Essen ruled that the €45,000 ($51,100) already paid by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Essen was adequate and rejected the survivor's request for €300,000 ($341,000) in compensation.

Wilfried Fesselmann, 56, had previously proven that he was sexually abused by a chaplain at age 11, resulting in lifelong psychological problems. The trauma led to alcohol addiction and panic attacks, leaving him unable to work for years.

His lawyer sought higher compensation, citing a precedent from 2023 where the Cologne regional court awarded €300,000 to another church abuse victim.

The chaplain Peter H., who was dismissed from the church in 2010, admitted during a previous hearing to sexually abusing children at his official residence. However, he denied some accusations, citing memory lapses.

The 77-year-old was accused of abusing dozens of children during his service.

Due to the legal time limit for filing complaints, a criminal prosecution was no longer possible against the perpetrator. Nevertheless, the court determined that the Diocese of Essen remained liable as the employer and must provide compensation to the survivors.

Recent investigations in Germany have uncovered hundreds of cases of clergy members sexually abusing children and vulnerable individuals over decades. Church authorities either failed to properly investigate these cases or deliberately covered them up.