Promoting multidisciplinary and interagency service models for child victims and witnesses of online sexual violence

Online child sexual violence is affecting a fast-growing number of children of all ages, in all situations, with the potential for very severe and lasting consequences.  Promise Elpis aimed to ensure early identification, adequate assistance, protection and access to child-friendly justice in such cases. In Greek mythology, Elpis is the name of the spirit of hope.  Promise Elpis aims to help children who have suffered online child sexual violence by:

• Building knowledge and sharing recommendations: building knowledge on the experi-ence of children and professionals and developing bibliographies of international re-sources; sharing recommendations on regional policy development and exchange in particular in light of ongoing EU Strategies relevant to the field.
• Promoting comprehensive child-centred case management: contributing to a compe-tent and committed multidisciplinary team, equipped to provide a holistic and balanced intervention including investigation and assistance.
• Innovating and promoting specialized tools for practitioners, supporting specialised professional interventions and operational capacity, adapted to the specific require-ments and needs that may arise in cases of online child sexual violence. The Looking Ahead Paper connects the experience and learning in Promise Elpis with EU legal and policy developments.  It shares recommendations for EU and national policy makers to help them take targeted measures for child victims of online sexual violence. It also assists stakeholders and practitioners in connecting their work with the developing EU legal and policy framework.

The main activities of the project were: 1) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of protocols and procedures adapted to the specific requirements and needs that may arise concerning online child sexual violence, and 2) provide training in (a) building multidisciplinary teams and interagency collaboration in cases concerning online child sexual violence, and (b) specialised interventions including investigation, medical, therapeutic, crisis support and victim support. The project will furthermore include a strong element of child and youth participation.

These activities aimed to ensure early identification, adequate assistance and protection, access to child-friendly justice, long-term assistance and social inclusion and durable solutions for children who are suspected of being trafficked (physical and online trafficking) by ensuring coordination of child protection and criminal justice proceedings in a child-centred, multidisciplinary manner. 

Background

A recent survey with Barnahus in seven European countries established that Barnahus have experienced an increase in cases that concern child sexual violence online or that have an online element. Cases seen in Barnahus involved grooming and manipulation, children depicted in sexual violence material, including voluntary or forced sexual posing and distribution of nude pictures/films and pictures/films of children involved in sexual acts. Extortion and blackmail through different means were also common.

Online child sexual violence covers a vast array of potential scenarios with varying levels of severity. However, research indicates a common misconception among professionals that online sexual violence results in less severe harm to children than other types of violence. Research and experience in Barnahus show that the impact of online abuse on the child can be as severe and, in some cases, more severe than offline abuse, especially in situations where perpetrators cannot be identified or where sexual images have been shared on social media.

Partners

Charité (Coordinator)

AvBIT
The Council of the Baltic Sea States, Children at Risk
Child Circle
Children First
HEUNI (The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations)
National Children’s Advocacy Center USA
UKHD (Childhood Haus Heidelberg), Germany)

PUBLICATIONS