Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has established a dedicated telephone helpline for soldiers who have been victims or witnesses of sexual misconduct within the military. This initiative follows an order issued by General Inspector Carsten Breuer, who mandated that the hotline, named “HELP,” be available 24 hours a day starting November 1st. The name is an acronym standing for Assistance, Initial Consultation, Guidance Function, and Prevention Support.
This new line provides both affected individuals and witnesses with an independent channel of communication, allowing them to bypass military hierarchy and contact an external body. This quick implementation is seen as meeting a clear need for advice and initial reporting capabilities outside the established service chain. By using this system, those affected can receive discreet assistance and support from trained personnel early on, and learn about subsequent procedural steps.
The deployment of this hotline comes as the number of reported cases of sexual misconduct has been rising in recent months. While 402 such reports were recorded in 2023, the figure increased to 469 in 2025. Furthermore, reports suggest that the total number for 2026 is expected to be significantly higher.
In parallel, initial figures from a confidential “dark field study” concerning misconduct within the armed forces have caused considerable attention within the Ministry. According to reports, over 70 percent of active and former soldiers who participated in the anonymous study have disclosed experiencing sexual misconduct during their service. This study remains classified.
