Council Of Europe Convention On The Protection Of Children Against Sexual Exploitation And Sexual Abuse

"This convention aims to prevent the sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, protect child victims of sexual offences and prosecute perpetrators. With an emphasis on respecting the rights of children and keeping their best interests in the forefront, the convention covers preventive measures; criminal offences, including several entirely new offences, such as 'child grooming'; protective measures and assistance to child victims and their families; 'child-friendly' procedures for investigation and prosecution which are adapted to children's special needs; intervention programmes or measures for child sex offenders; recording and storing of data on convicted sex offenders; international co-operation and a monitoring mechanism."--Book jacket.

In spite of a high level of social awareness in Europe, millions of its children are still subjected to violence. Children's rights are violated on a daily basis in all European countries. Corporal punishment, sexual abuse, the exploitation of children and other similar violations are only now emerging into the public eye. While some progress has been made, it is far too slow and timid. Elaborately organised networks in human trafficking, online child pornography and sexual violence behind what should be the safe doors of the home still prevent Europe from fully guaranteeing children's human rights. The Council of Europe promotes and secures children's human rights through developing standards and policies, monitoring countries' compliance with norms, and launching awareness-raising actions. It also assists countries to develop comprehensive strategies addressing all forms of violence against children. This book references the Council of Europe's work in this field and provides insights into the processes that have led to its many conventions, recommendations, decisions, programmes, reports and publications.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation are significant problems in Europe, and it is estimated that between 10 to 20 per cent of children are likely to be sexually assaulted during their childhood. There are many forms of abuse, including incest, prostitution, pornography, rape, peer sexual violence and institutional sexual abuse. This publication offers a pan-European perspective on the subject, drawing on a rapidly growing evidence base and on current policy, and also includes case studies from Germany, Poland, Romania and England. A range of papers by European researchers and practitioners also discuss general issues facing all countries and effective policy responses, including comparative legal processes and obstacles, therapeutic help for victims and their families, work with perpetrators, collection and use of information on child sex offenders, and telephone helplines for children and young people.

Protecting children from sexual violence - A comprehensive approach is a collection of highly readable expert papers for both child professionals And The general public. it is divided into five parts, presenting a European overview and covering the existing legal frameworks; abuse prevention and reporting; rehabilitation and social reintegration of victims; sexual violence on the Internet; and public and private partnerships against abuse. it also sheds light on the little-known problem of children who are sexually abusing other children. In addition to providing thorough information on the many facets of this complex subject, this publication also highlights new concepts, facts and recommendations. Foremost is the significant lack of data on the prevalence and nature of sexual violence in Europe, underscoring the need for co-ordinated pan-European research and information gathering, which are vital to effective policy making and programme design. it also sounds the alarm for urgent co-ordinated action in various fields to drastically improve child protection through awareness raising; targeted and specialised training, intervention and therapy programmes; sex education in schools; responsible family attitudes; and justice systems with tighter abuse laws and which take account of children's special needs as reliable witnesses. Protecting children from sexual violence is published as part of the Council of Europe campaign to stop sexual violence against children. The hope is that this publication will inspire judges, The police, educators, governments, The media and legislatures to join the campaign and expose, demythify and take concerted action to combat sexual violence against children, a phenomenon that affects as many as 20% of children in Europe

The year 2008 was very busy and eventful for the Council of Europe with, among other things, Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in February and the conflict that erupted during the summer between Georgia and Russia, two of the Organisation's

This guide, produced jointly by Amnesty International and the Council of Europe, aims at helping design policies and measures to better address female genital mutilation and to pave the way for change. It is based on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), which entered into force in August 2014. The Istanbul Convention is the first treaty to recognise that female genital mutilation exists in Europe and that it needs to be systematically addressed (Article 38 of the Convention). It requires states parties to step up preventive measures by addressing affected communities, as well as the general public and relevant professionals. It entails obligations to offer protection and support when women and girls at risk need it most – and makes sure that their needs and their safety always come first.