The EU has taken a fresh step in the ongoing fight against child abuse at Europe level.
On Tuesday, the European Commission launched a call for applications to join the newly established Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.
The Network was forst established to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Commission, Member States, researchers, frontline practitioners and other key stakeholders.
Its goal is to support the effective implementation of EU legislation, programmes and policies related to the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The Network will address all dimensions of prevention, including reducing the risk of individuals offending or re-offending, and lowering the likelihood of children becoming victims.
In addition to fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices, the Network will, said an EC spokesman,
“inform research, facilitate cooperation with key partners at both EU and international level, while also offering support to the Commission and Member States in the effective implementation of prevention programmes.”
With the establishment of the Network, the Commission spokesman said it is “delivering” on a key initiative of the EU strategy for a “more effective fight against child sexual abuse.”
He said it is also
“reaffirming its strong commitment to prevention as a central element in combating child sexual abuse.”
The call for application is open until 15 September to individual experts and organisations active in the field of child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention.
