Dorothea Küppers-Lehmann: Farewell to a voice of those affected in Speyer

Dorothea Küppers-Lehmann: Farewell to a voice of those affected in Speyer

On February 15, 2025, the diocese of Speyer Dorothea Küppers-Lehmann said goodbye as an independent contact for suspected cases of sexual abuse. Her appointment as the contact person started on December 1, 2016. First she worked in tandem with Ansgar Schreiner before taking over the sole responsibility in 2021. In her role, she was a valuable member of the episcopal consultant for questions of sexual abuse as well as constant guest in the independent refurbishment commission and on the advisory board of the diocese. During her tenure, Küppers-Lehmann had contacted over 80 people affected, which illustrates the scope of her work. Vicar of General Markus Magin and Bishop Dr. Karl-Heinz Wiesemann paid tribute to their personal commitment and their commitment in this sensitive matter.

In her farewell speech, Küppers-Lehmann emphasized the trust that she was given by the affected people. Her successors, Heike Jockisch and Gabriele Obereicher, are now taking on their tasks. Jockisch is a graduate psychologist and was previously a facility manager of the SOS Children's Village Kaiserslautern, while Obereicher is a sociologist and family therapist, with extensive experience in advice against sexualized violence. In addition, there is currently a negotiating about a third potential independent contact person.

engagement of the cathedral chapter

The cathedral chapter Speyer has made the fight against sexual abuse a central task. Abuse is viewed here as a violence against children, adolescents and adults who are under protection. In this context, the cathedral chapter and the diocese of Speyer not only support those affected, but also hold perpetrators responsible. The commitment to the prevention of sexual abuse aims to further improve the protection of vulnerable groups.

Friederike Walter acts as a specialist in prevention and is the contact person for questions about sexual violence in the diocese of Speyer. It is part of a network that deals with prevention and is in exchange with colleagues. Those affected by sexual violence can contact Küppers. Lehrmann or the advisory board of the Diocese of Speyer.

help offers for those affected

The diocese of Speyer offers a comprehensive support network for affected sexual violence. Some contact points are listed here:

• Dorothea Küppers-Lehmann, independent abuse officer
  Mobile phone: 0151/148 800 14
  Email: SpittaPartnerin@bistum-speyer.de
• Advisory Board of the Diocese of Speyer
  Email:
• specialist advice center for game water for those affected and relatives
• Help portal Abuse: Telephone 0800 22 55 530 or Available online
• Frauennotruf Speyer for girls and women from the age of 14
• Telephone counseling: 0800 - 111 0 111 or 0800 - 111 0 222, also available in chat
• "Number against grief" for children and adolescents: 116 111 or 0800 - 111 0 333, available from Monday to Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Weißer Ring e.V. offers support and advice

A complete list of contact points can be downloaded to offer affected people appropriate help.