Public knowledge and action competencies regarding child maltreatment and child protection in Germany: Results from a representative national survey

BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment is a widespread societal problem with severe consequences. Research suggests that a significant proportion of cases go undetected by professionals, highlighting the importance of public awareness and acting competencies on child protection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine public knowledge and self-assessed action competencies about child maltreatment and child protection in Germany and to show which sources of information are used for this purpose and to what extent these are related to public competencies in child protection. PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 2504 people from the overall German population took part in the study between March and June 2024. METHODS: Participants completed a cross-sectional questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, contact with children and adolescents, sources of information on the topic, and self-assessed knowledge and action competencies. The data were evaluated using deductive and inductive statistical methods. RESULTS: Overall, knowledge and action competencies were moderate. Knowledge was highest for physical abuse and lowest for sexual abuse, while respondents felt most confident in their knowledge of contact points. Individuals with professional contact with children and/or adolescents reported greater knowledge and action competencies. High income, contact with children/adolescents and the use of specific information sources, particularly vocational studies, further training, and television programs, were positively associated with both outcomes. Informal sources played a central role, especially among individuals without professional contact. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for easily accessible, evidence-based information resources and structured training opportunities to strengthen public awareness and preparedness on child protection.