To raise awareness of the heinous crime of child sexual abuse, to facilitate open discussion about child sexual exploitation and abuse, and to put an end to the stigmatisation of victims and survivors, the Council of Europe launched in 2015 the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (#EndChildSexualAbuseDay). It is marked today, on 18 November, in Council of Europe member states and beyond.
One in five girls and one in seven boys globally will become a victim of child sexual abuse or exploitation before they turn 18, according to UNICEF. Evidence-based policy making to strengthen the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse is the theme of the 2025 edition of the Day.
Better data on child sexual abuse will help to create a safer world for children
Maria José Castello-Branco (Portugal), Chairperson of the Committee of Parties to the Lanzarote Convention , the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, and Saskia Kluit (Netherlands), Chairperson of the Committee on social affairs, health and sustainable environment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, made a joint statement to mark the day. "While we have made progress in raising awareness and strengthening legal frameworks, the lack of consistent and comprehensive data remains a major barrier to improving protection and support for victims and survivors", they said, stressing that the development of laws, policies, and practices to prevent and respond to child sexual exploitation and abuse must be rooted in solid evidence-based decision-making.
Chisinau: first event under Moldovan Presidency to focus on countering child sexual abuse
Strengthening the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse through evidence-based policy making is the theme of the conference taking place in Chisinau today. Organised under the auspices of the Republic of Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, it brings together high-level officials, international experts, and practitioners. The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Daniela Misail-Nichitin, and the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, delivered opening remarks at the conference. A national awareness-raising campaign will also be conducted in the country to inform professionals about the legal and procedural mechanisms for identifying and reporting child sexual abuse and exploitation, and to promote the use of support services.
Activities in Europe and beyond
Each year, the Council of Europe invites member states, civil society and national parliaments to mark the Day by conducting activities dedicated to raising awareness and highlighting the importance of protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Everyone can act: children, parents, victims and survivors, authorities, professionals working with children (educators, sport coaches), police, NGOs and the private sector.
Among the activities planned in Europe and beyond in 2025:
- Armenia will bring together institutional stakeholders and civil society to discuss various aspects of the protection of children against sexual offences, including in the context of recent ECtHR judgments against Armenia.
- In Georgia, ten schools in different regions, together with social workers, will hold informational and educational meetings with students focusing on recognising and addressing violence, including sexual violence, as well as on anti-discrimination and issues of tolerance.
- In Italy, the Foundation Il Telefono Azzurro ETS will hold a conference "Strengthen child protection from sexual exploitation through evidence-based policies. Knowledge for action: prevention, protection, and justice for every child and adolescent".
- Morocco will hold a national conference on child sexual exploitation online focusing on stocktaking and new challenges related to artificial intelligence.
- North Macedonia is launching a national awareness-raising campaign based on child-friendly materials of the Council of Europe's ONE in FIVE campaign to stop sexual violence against children.
- Portugal is publishing a selection of child-friendly print materials in Portuguese for children aged 4 to 7: Kiko and the Manymes, on how to stay safe and protect their privacy online, as well as guidelines for parents; "Tell someone you trust" for children aged 9-13 about sexual abuse in the circle of trust; and "So, this is sexual abuse?" helping children aged 12+ understand how to spot, report and get help in situations of sexual abuse, especially those involving inappropriate or explicit content online. The Portuguese National Commission for the promotion of rights and the protection of children and young people will hold a school awareness-raising event in Lisbon.
- Europol is launching "Help4U", an online resource designed to provide support to children seeking help in situations of risk.
