A comprehensive report was published today by the Council of Europe Committee of the parties to the convention for the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (the Lanzarote Committee) on "Protecting children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust".
The report examines how the 48 state parties to the Lanzarote Convention can further strengthen their legal frameworks to better prevent abuse and protect victims. It measures progress made since the first monitoring report in 2015 which covered 26 countries.
"No child should ever be unsafe in the very circle meant to protect them. With our report, we call on all states to close the remaining gaps and make every environment a place of safety and trust", stressed Maria José Castello-Branco, Chairperson of the Lanzarote Committee.
Sexual abuse by people in a position of trust
The report welcomes progress made since 2015 with several parties now criminalising sexual abuse of children of all ages by individuals in a recognised position of trust, authority or influence. The Lanzarote Committee calls on those parties that still limit this protection to very specific circumstances or only cover children below the legal age for sexual activities, to follow suit.
As for sexual abuse in the family context , most parties ensure that the alleged perpetrator can be removed from the home even before criminal proceedings are initiated. The Lanzarote Committee requests parties that have not yet done so, to ensure that a child victim is removed from the family environment only if removal of the alleged perpetrator cannot or does not adequately protect the child.
The Committee calls for states to protect children against all serious harm, including sexual activities without physical contact, such as grooming.
Avoiding secondary victimisation
Progress has been made since 2015 in safeguarding and protecting child victims during investigations and proceedings:
- Proceedings can be initiated without a prior complaint by the victim in 18% more Lanzarote Committee countries. However, 9 out of 48 parties still require a victim to file a complaint, creating significant barriers to justice, especially for children who may be unable or unwilling to report abuse.
- 35% more parties allow pre-recorded testimony by a child instead live participation in the criminal hearing. Yet, 21 out of 48 still do not do so.
- Twenty-eight countries, as compared to only six before, now implement the Barnahus model to help avoid secondary victimisation of child victims and ensure their effective participation in the justice process.
Education and support needed for children
Recognising that children may engage in harmful sexual behaviours with other children, the Committee requires parties to provide comprehensive education to help children recognise and avoid harmful sexual activities, and to access support if they are a victim.
Preventing re-offending
Systematic and regular criminal record checks of professionals and volunteers provide a high level of protection against convicted offenders coming into contact with children. The Committee recommends that parties establish and enhance mechanisms to supervise convicted offenders.
The Lanzarote Committee will continue working to enhance the protection of children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust paying particular attention to professionals and volunteers. It will examine compliance with the recommendations made in the present report through a compliance procedure in several years' time.
Executive summary and recommendations in multiple languages
