A wave of shock and disbelief has swept through the global network of SOS Children’s Villages after revelations that its late founder, Hermann Gmeiner, allegedly abused several boys decades ago.
The Austrian humanitarian, once nominated more than 100 times for the Nobel Peace Prize, is now at the centre of a scandal that threatens to tarnish one of the world’s most respected child-welfare movements.
The organisation confirmed on Thursday that Gmeiner, who died in 1986, had been credibly accused of sexually and physically abusing eight boys in Austria. According to SOS Children’s Villages Austria, the victims have since received compensation, and the findings were verified by independent investigators.
Allegations kept secret for years
SOS Children’s Villages Austria admitted that internal knowledge of the accusations existed for several years before they were made public.
The disclosure follows a series of recent media reports exposing further cases of abuse by staff members in Austrian facilities — cases that, too, had long been kept confidential.
The first SOS Children’s Village was founded by Gmeiner in Imst, Tyrol, in 1949, after World War II. Today, the organisation operates in more than 130 countries, providing homes and support for children who cannot live with their parents.
Global reaction and suspension of Austrian branch
The international umbrella organisation responded to the revelations by suspending SOS Children’s Villages Austria from membership until further notice.
“Children deserve happiness, dignity, and protection from those they trust,” said Domenico Parisi, chair of the International Board. “Anyone who betrays that trust deserves nothing but condemnation and shame.”
The decision aims to restore confidence in the worldwide SOS network. SOS Children’s Villages Germany endorsed the move. “After weeks of opaque communication, these new revelations have been the breaking point,” said Georg Falterbaum, a member of the German board, speaking to the German Press Agency (dpa).
Abuse cases also investigated in Germany
Falterbaum acknowledged that cases of misconduct had also occurred in Germany in previous decades, but said they have since been extensively investigated.
An independent commission documented around 190 reports of boundary violations between 1976 and mid-2023, nearly half of which involved sexual abuse. Roughly 47% of those cases were attributed to staff members.
Victims in Germany have already received recognition payments, averaging about €46,500 per person. Falterbaum emphasised that addressing abuse is “a continuous responsibility” and that child-protection protocols and early-warning systems are now being reinforced across German facilities.
Breaking ties with the founder’s legacy
The scandal has prompted communities in Germany and Austria to distance themselves from Gmeiner’s legacy.
In Imst, two monuments honouring the founder have been removed, and local officials confirmed that a kindergarten, primary school, and a street bearing his name will soon be renamed. “There will be a complete break with everything connected to his name,” said Mayor Stefan Weirather.
In Mönchengladbach, the Hermann-Gmeiner-Schule expressed being “deeply shocked” by the allegations and announced plans to consider a new name.
“The idea remains right – but the founder no longer defines us”
Falterbaum stressed that the core mission of SOS Children’s Villages — protecting and empowering vulnerable children — remains unchanged despite the scandal.
“Our staff are deeply shaken, but we must focus on the victims,” he said. “The idea of SOS Children’s Villages is still right. Hermann Gmeiner no longer defines our work today.”
