Authorities are investigating claims of abuse and misconduct at one of Southern Germany’s largest disability care centers.

The Dominikus-Ringeisen-Werk (DRW), a church-run foundation in Bavaria caring for thousands of people with disabilities, is under scrutiny following allegations of abuse. According to WELT, the Memmingen prosecutor’s office is investigating seven current and former staff members for suspected mistreatment of vulnerable residents, false accusations, and potential unlawful restraint.

The focus of the investigation is on the ‘Manuel Group,’ which houses residents with the highest care needs, including non-verbal autistic individuals requiring intensive assistance. Witness accounts and official reports suggest incidents of physical and verbal abuse, including beatings, strangulation, and derogatory remarks. The facility’s management reportedly received complaints as early as mid-2025 but failed to uncover irregularities during inspections. Staff turnover and internal conflicts have further complicated the case.