Abuse scandal at the DTB: Trainer under criticism and investigation!

Abuse scandal at the DTB: Trainer under criticism and investigation!

The German Turner Association (DTB) faces a comprehensive scandal that results from numerous allegations of abuse towards trainers and supervisors. In the past few weeks, more and more former gymnasts have spoken out to report serious grievances in German gymnastics centers. Radio Euskirchen reports that DTB President Alfons Hölzl is currently in great uncertainties and expresses that further reports in the future are not excluded in the future are.

The accusations focus in particular on authoritarian training methods and systematic physical and mental abuse in bases such as Mannheim and Stuttgart. The frequently expressed complaints describe catastrophic circumstances experienced by the athletes. The reports of the German record champions Elisabeth Seitz, who brings up incidents at the Mannheim base, are particularly dramatic.

violence and abuse in competitive sports

The current allegations are in the context of a broader discussion about sexual abuse in sport. This is also underpinned by an independent examination, which focuses on a variety of attacks in gyms and during trips to competitions. The processing commission illustrates that there is no culture of open speaking or listening about violence in sport. Those affected often report incomprehension and rejection within their own clubs.

"I don't know what is still coming," Hölzl continues, and thus illustrates the seriousness of the situation. One of the specific measures is the preliminary exemption of two trainers from the Kunst Turn Forum in Stuttgart. The Stuttgart public prosecutor's office is currently investigating a former coach of the forum. In addition, the DTB has commissioned a law firm from Frankfurt am Main with the comprehensive investigation of the allegations and supports the official investigations, which also include searches in several objects, including the office of the Swabian Gymnastics Association.

Reformation in the German Turner Bund

As part of the reaction to the allegations of abuse, ex-national trainer Ulla Koch temporarily resigned her office as Vice President. In order to ensure more transparency and security in the future, the DTB plans to set up an interdisciplinary expert council. Hölzl has also announced that those responsible for proven misconduct are released.

The situation raises questions about the structure and hierarchies in German competitive sport. In 2023, fatal dependency relationships and abuse of power were named in these systems by adults, which indicates an urgently needed cultural change. A central point here is the necessary reappraisal of the past to make affected athletes heard and bring about a change.

The DTB now faces the challenge of not only reacting to the allegations, but also taking proactive measures to protect the athletes and creating an environment in which abuse can not only be uncovered, but can also be punished.