The webinar presents Barnahus, a multidisciplinary approach to support child victims and witnesses of violence.

Barnahus originated in Iceland and has rapidly spread throughout the Nordics and then Europe. It co-locates child protection, medical interventions, therapeutic interventions, and criminal investigation, in a child-friendly environment. It aims to prevent re-traumatisation and ensure a coordinated response to support children’s rights and well-being. Barnahus is recognised and supported by various international organisations, including the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations.

The webinar also presents the Barnahus Quality Standards, which were developed through collaboration with professionals across Europe and draw on international law and best practices. The standards cover areas such as child protection, forensic interviews, medical interventions, and therapeutic support. They emphasise the best interests of the child, child-friendly environments, and child participation.

Challenges in establishing Barnahus include legal and procedural requirements, lack of resources, and conflicting interests. However, the webinar highlighted that many countries have made progress in adapting the model to their national contexts, and cross-country collaboration is crucial for continuous improvement.

The webinar includes testimonials from children who have experienced Barnahus services, expressing gratitude for the support and child-friendly environment that made them feel safe and comfortable.