In 1920s Vienna, a woman calling herself Baroness Cadvé ran what appeared to be a private language school for children. Behind the polite advertisements and the respectable address in the city center was something much darker.

This episode tells the story of Edith Kadivec, the woman at the center of the 1924 Vienna "Sadist Trial,” in which she was accused of abusing children for the sexual gratification of wealthy and powerful clients. The case exposed not just one abusive teacher, but a whole network of doctors, businessmen, artists, and aristocrats who believed their status would protect them.

This episode contains discussion of child abuse and exploitation.

f this episode brought up difficult feelings for you or someone you care about, you’re not alone, and support is available. Here are some trusted organizations and hotlines where you can find help, support, and information.

National Child Abuse Hotline
Call 1-800-4A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org
Available 24/7 for confidential support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local services.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call 1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE (233733)
Chat and resources available at humantraffickinghotline.org
Confidential support, crisis intervention, and connections to services nationwide.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat at rainn.org
Provides support for survivors of sexual violence of any age.

Rat auf Draht (Helpline for children and young people)
Free, confidential support for children and teens.
Tel: 147
Website: rataufdrah.at
B-PLAN – Hilfe für Betroffene von Menschenhandel und Ausbeutung
Support and assistance for trafficking survivors in Austria.
Website: b-plan.at
Frauenhelpline (Women’s Helpline)
Confidential support for women experiencing violence or abuse.
Tel: 0800 222 555 (Free in Austria)
Website: frauenhelpline.at
Gewalt-Hotline (Violence hotline)
Offers information and referral for people affected by violence.
Tel: 0800 188 188
Website: gewaltinfo.at

Child Helpline International
Connects you to child helplines around the world.
Website: childhelplineinternational.org
Find a local number in your country.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Anti-Trafficking
Global resources and support information.
Website: unodc.org (search “human trafficking”).
ECPAT International
Works to end child exploitation worldwide and provides links to support services.
Website: ecpat.org

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices