On 5 August, the European Commission launched a call for applications, until 15 September, to join the new ‘Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse’ created by a decision on 29 July.
“The Network was 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”, states a press release.
It will provide advice “and expertise to the Commission in relation to all areas related to preventing child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children online and offline at all stages of prevention and all levels of the socio-ecological model, that is, the model emphasising the interplay between biology and environment in shaping behaviour, including the individual, interpersonal, community and societal”.
One of the ways in which it will act is through initiatives aimed at offenders and those who fear committing offences against children.
The EU Council is still trying to reach agreement regarding the regulation on removing child sexual abuse material from the Internet. A new working group is scheduled for 12 September (see EUROPE 13690/7).
Link to the Commission’s decision: https://aeur.eu/f/i44 ; https://aeur.eu/f/i45 (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)