A prominent German forensic psychologist is calling for a more measured and critical approach to evaluating testimony in sexual offense cases, raising concerns about potential miscarriages of justice. Max Steller, a recognized expert in the field, argues that a blanket assumption of credibility for accusers, sometimes advocated by activists within the MeToo movement, can be detrimental to upholding the principles of the legal system and reasoned judgment. He emphasizes that every allegation must undergo rigorous scrutiny, as a false accusation carries the potential to irrevocably damage lives.
Steller, who has conducted assessments of both alleged victims and perpetrators for over 50 years, has been involved in some of Germany’s most significant abuse trials, including the high-profile Worms proceedings in the mid-1990s. His expertise was instrumental in shaping the minimum standards for assessing credibility adopted by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in 1999, establishing crucial guidelines for forensic evaluations.
He expresses considerable reservations regarding therapeutic practices that attempt to ‘recover’ suppressed memories of abuse. Steller refutes the underlying premise that profoundly traumatic experiences are invariably repressed or incompletely stored. “This is simply incorrect” he states, noting that extremely stressful events are typically deeply ingrained and that severe abuse experienced during childhood is rarely forgotten. He cautions that promises of memory retrieval can be harmful to those who have experienced trauma, rather than providing genuine assistance.
Steller also directs attention to the judiciary’s responsibility, warning against the risk of judicial scandals. This caution is fueled by a recent case from Braunschweig, where a young woman made accusations against her mother and stepfather, claiming years of sexual exploitation and trafficking. The parents were initially convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms before it became apparent that the allegations were false. They spent nearly two years incarcerated before being exonerated.
“We are never safe from incidents like this” Steller cautions. He stresses the ongoing need for forensic psychologists to educate both the legal system and the public about the complexities of suggestibility, false memories and the vital importance of thorough statement analysis. He notes that time and a degree of complacency can contribute to a recurrence of errors, referencing pivotal cases like the Worms proceedings and the landmark BGH ruling.
