September 8, 2023: The police found a dead 14-year-old in Lohr am Main, between bushes and trees not far from the school. He was shot in the back of the head. A classmate of the same age has been in custody ever since. He is silent. However, the weapon was found at his home. It is still unclear why the 14-year-old was killed. The cell phone evaluation is ongoing. Lohr am Main – an extreme case?
Increasing aggressiveness in children and adolescents
At the Look at the Bavarian crime statistics from 2021 What is striking is that the number of children suspected of dangerous and serious bodily harm has increased significantly compared to the previous year – by 23.4 percent. In absolute numbers that is 750 children between eight and 13 years old. However, the number of suspected young people (14-17 years old) has fallen by almost ten percent – to 1,814.
“However, murder and manslaughter are the absolute exception,” said press spokesman Enrico Ball of the Lower Franconia police headquarters. But he also observes increasing aggressiveness. He talked to young people in Lohr am Main several times and was surprised at how many 13-year-olds in the small town use cannabis and watch violent films for adults.
Children are sometimes perpetrators and victims at the same time
The most common crimes committed by children: assault, theft and bullying. A lot of things happen to young people under the influence of alcohol. Psychological illnesses are increasingly triggering crimes, observes Würzburg professor Marcel Romanos. He heads child and adolescent psychiatry at the university hospital. In some cases, the perpetrators are also victims. If mental illnesses such as ADHD are not recognized or treated accordingly, serious outbursts of anger can occur.
Education behind bars
If perpetrators are under 14 years old, they are considered criminally minor in this country. There are educational measures for them, including at the Diakonie Würzburg. The youngest residents of the closed ward are ten years old. You need a lot of support. If they prove themselves consistently, they get out. There are 14 places for severe cases in Würzburg. The demand is much greater, emphasizes the Board of Directors of Education and Training. Anyone who gets a place has a good chance. Almost all children leave the facility with a school leaving certificate.
Police prevention work
The Bavarian police try to prevent crimes through prevention. The The “Zammmgrauft” project, for example, is aimed at children and young people between eleven and 18 years. Here, students learn the importance of community, trust and moral courage through exercises and role plays. The various forms of violence, for example physical violence or bullying, are also discussed and strategies against them are developed.
Help for those injured
There are also offers of help for victims, their relatives and emergency services. There is, for example, a trauma clinic at the University Hospital in Würzburg. Here, traumatic experiences are treated as quickly as possible so that they do not leave any psychological or physical traces, says the director, Dr. Marion Schowalter.
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