All of this defines the Nord Süd Trail perhaps Germany’s most unique long-distance hiking route (comparable in scale to the PCT, AT, etc.).

• Why am I doing this?

About 30 years ago, I was a victim of severe sexual abuse, and I continue to suffer from the effects of those actions to this day. Because of my own story (self-therapy, confronting fears), and because we are bombarded daily with news of horrific acts, I’ve made it my life’s mission to do everything I can to make a change. I’m not a politician, I’m not a judge, and I’m not formally trained in law. But what I do have is experience. I have 30 years of experience in how victims of violence and abuse feel, what they’ve endured, and what they still go through today. I also have experience dealing with the resources available — or, unfortunately, not available — to victims. And, more often than not, these resources are lacking. This neglect only further disadvantages the victims.

With this project and this march, I aim to raise awareness. I want people to listen, to pay attention, and stop turning away and ignoring what happens every day around us, maybe behind a neighbor’s door or even in their own home. I want to fuel discussions about the urgent changes that are needed. Resources must be made available to ensure sufficient education and prevention efforts, both financially and in terms of personnel. Laws need to be applied with the gravity they deserve — sexual abuse and rape must not be punished as lightly as stealing a pack of cigarettes. We need to abolish statutes of limitations so that perpetrators can’t escape justice after a certain period of time.
The physical and emotional scars borne by victims do not expire; they last a lifetime. There should be no “expiration date” for justice. Access to medical and therapeutic care for victims must be ensured. It is unacceptable that survivors should not only have to fight their inner battles but also face bureaucratic hurdles for damage done by others. A victim compensation fund should be established, funded by offenders, from which victims can draw resources for their rehabilitation.
In addition to raising awareness for these pressing issues, I want to give hope to survivors. I want my journey to be an example that, no matter how long it takes, you should never give up hope. Even if it doesn’t seem possible, and even if it doesn’t feel like it, there is a way out of the darkness…
someday.

• What will be done, and what can YOU do?

As mentioned, I will set out on this journey, trying to leave my fears behind. I will walk this seemingly endless and rocky path as a metaphor for what we, as survivors, must endure. I will share the entire journey publicly on Instagram (profile: thomaspaschen_writer), regularly uploading photos, videos, and posts, so that people can follow along from the very start.
To make a tangible impact and raise funds for a cause that matters, I have organized a charity campaign alongside the hike. Anyone who wants to contribute can make a donation. The proceeds from this campaign will not go to me but directly to the children’s charity organization “Mutige Kinder e.V.,” which has been dedicated to protecting and supporting vulnerable children and young people for years.

So, what can YOU do to support me, to support us? In short, you can donate. Every little bit of financial support helps to promote this essential and necessary work. With every euro, we can bring a smile to a child’s face, and in that, we have already won.

If you’d like to personally support me, perhaps for a warm coffee or a Snickers along the way, feel free to do so via PayPal (upon request) — but only for such small personal needs!
Actual donations should be made ONLY directly to Mutige Kinder e.V.
Would you like to help me help others?
Thank you.
Thomas Paschen