Reports of Past Abuse at East Tyrol SOS Children's Village Emerge

Recent developments have brought to light reports of violent incidents affecting children at the SOS Children's Village in Nussdorf-Debant, located in East Tyrol. These allegations pertain to events that took place during the 1990s. Two individuals, who previously resided at the facility, have come forward with claims of experiencing or witnessing abuse. Their accounts suggest that similar incidents may have occurred at this location during that period.

The Tyrolean Office for Children and Youth Advocacy (KiJA) has confirmed the receipt of two separate notifications from individuals reporting experiences of violence at the facility, with some cases dating back as far as 1995. Due to standard record retention policies, the agency no longer possesses complete documentation from the past three decades, which may present challenges in reviewing historical cases comprehensively.

In the first notification, an individual relayed information about two acquaintances who had reportedly been affected by abuse at the SOS Children's Village in Nussdorf-Debant. However, specific details regarding the nature or circumstances of these incidents were not provided at this stage. The agency advised that those directly affected could arrange personal consultations with its representatives, offering the option of anonymity to ensure confidentiality and support for those seeking assistance.

The second notification involved a separate anonymous individual who reported having personally experienced violence while staying at the facility. As with the previous case, KiJA extended the offer of a confidential, in-person meeting to discuss the matter further. At this time, the agency has not disclosed information regarding the number or identity of individuals who may be implicated in these historical allegations, citing ongoing procedures and data limitations.

Established in 1995, KiJA Tirol operates as a primary point of contact for children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 21. The agency is tasked with safeguarding and promoting children's rights throughout the Tyrol region. In recent years, KiJA has maintained a routine presence at the SOS Children's Village in East Tyrol, conducting regular site visits aimed at monitoring conditions and facilitating access to support for residents.

Since 2015, the advocacy office has scheduled biannual inspections at the Nussdorf-Debant facility. This oversight increased in 2024, with visits now taking place four to five times each year. During these visits, external confidants associated with KiJA offer monthly consultation sessions, providing children and adolescents the opportunity to discuss concerns or grievances confidentially and voluntarily. This structure is intended to ensure that residents have ongoing access to independent support and channels for reporting any issues.

KiJA has reiterated its commitment to providing safe, anonymous, and accessible avenues for current and former residents of youth welfare institutions to report experiences or seek assistance. The agency continues to urge individuals who may have been affected by violence or misconduct at any such facility to come forward, ensuring that all reports are treated with discretion and care.

These new disclosures form part of a broader review of historical incidents at youth care institutions in Austria, highlighting the importance of continued oversight and the protection of children's rights within social welfare settings. Authorities are actively encouraging anyone with relevant information to utilize available support services, as efforts to address and learn from past cases remain ongoing.