Childhood Trauma

Elke Winkens Now Speaks Openly About Abuse

Elke Winkens, too, faced abuse from childhood onward.(Bild: Christian Hartmann)

Elke Winkens, one of Austria’s best-known actresses, shares shocking memories of sexual abuse in an interview with “Krone”—some of which she suffered as early as age seven. During a visit to her parents’ snack bar, she was molested by a man...

The recent revelations surrounding the cabaret artist Günther Paal have brought back old, terrible memories for Winkens: “When my mother came, I looked at her in terror and she asked, ‘Did he do anything to you?’, and I said, ‘Yes,’” she says, describing an incident that occurred when she was just seven years old. It would not be her only traumatic experience ...

In an interview with “Krone Bunt” editor-in-chief Euke Frank, Winkens also talks about how cases—similar to that of Günther Paal—kept reopening societal wounds: “I see the child right in front of me. It makes me incredibly sad.”

I see that child right in front of me. It makes me incredibly sad.

Elke Winkens über den Fall Günther Paal

Giving Other Women Hope
Despite her harrowing experiences, Winkens has found her way and is now fighting for others who have been affected. She offers to help any women who are experiencing or have experienced violence by accompanying them to a counseling center or even going public with them.

Stand up and finally speak out!

Elke Winkens‘ Appell an die Männer

She strongly urges men to take an active and open stand against violence. “Stand up and finally speak out. Stand by our side; show your solidarity.”