As part of its ongoing review of past misconduct, SOS Children’s Villages Austria has identified eight documented cases of alleged abuse connected to the organization’s founder, Hermann Gmeiner (d. 1986), dating from the 1950s to the 1980s. We extend our deepest empathy, sorrow, and solidarity to all survivors who have endured harm. All eight survivors went through the organization’s victim support procedure between 2013 and 2023 and received recognition payments and therapeutic support.

We acknowledge with deep respect the courage of those who came forward – it gives us the opportunity to confront our past and compels us to ensure full transparency and lasting change for the future. The harm inflicted lasting pain and violated the very values on which SOS Children’s Villages was built. 

We must state this clearly and unequivocally: No one, regardless of their historical role or symbolic significance, stands above accountability -  they do not define who we are an organization and what we do to help children in need. Making them accountable is a true act of justice and we will never stop to pursue justice when injustice is made.

“I personally denounce Hermann Gmeiner and unequivocally condemn his despicable behavior. At the same time, I want to reaffirm my pride in the extraordinary work being done across our federation — work that continues to bring hope, care, and opportunity to millions of children and young people in need around the world”

- Domenico Parisi, Board Chair, SOS Children’s Villages International

In this spirit, SOS Children’s Villages Austria has taken decisive steps to confront this past:

• A full and independent reappraisal of historical cases within SOS Children’s Villages Austria.  

• An independent Reform Commission has been established by SOS Children’s Villages Austria to review every case with transparency and without restriction or taboo. The organisation is cooperating fully with independent experts and authorities to enable truth, justice, and healing.  

• A Special Commissioner for Historical Review now leads internal investigations to ensure all available information is uncovered and shared.  

• A comprehensive and externally supported Organizational Development process launched to reposition SOS Children’s Villages Austria as a modern child safeguarding organisation with up-to-date structures and standards. The process will run until 2026.   

SOS Children’s Villages is committed to an organization built on transparency, accountability, and worthy of the trust of the children, young people, and families we serve.
 

Our commitment includes:  

• Strengthened child safeguarding and governance systems to prevent and respond to any form of abuse or neglect.  

• A culture of openness and care, where speaking up is supported, and every voice - especially those of survivors and staff - is heard and acted upon.  

 “This moment calls for honesty, humility and action. What happened in the past is deeply distressing, and we acknowledge the profound suffering endured by survivors. Their courage to speak out compels us to confront painful truths and to ensure that our organization is defined not by silence, but by transparency and care. Our determination and commitment to accelerate positive change within our organization has never been stronger.”

– Benoit Piot, CEO, SOS Children’s Villages International

We stand united with all survivors. We are listening, we are learning, and we are changing. Survivors or anyone with information or concerns can reach the independent and anonymous reporting channel.

Read the full statement by Mimmo Parisi, Board Chair of SOS Children’s Villages International.