Dusica Davidovic: “We need to devise local strategies to prevent sexual violence against children”

“Available data suggests that about 1 in 5 children in Europe are victims of some form of sexual violence and victims generally first turn to local services for help”, said Dusica Davidovic, Congress Thematic Rapporteur on children. In an interview, she analyses local and regional authorities’ role in the context of the Strategic Action Plan adopted by the Congress to combat sexual violence against children. The Action Plan is a Congress contribution to the Council of Europe ONE in FIVE campaign.

09.02.2012

Protecting human rights, which include children’s rights, is a priority for the Congress.  What is the Congress doing to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse?

Up until about ten years ago, child sexual abuse was a taboo subject, but now, thanks to research, we can see the true extent of the problem.  Available data suggest that about one in five children in Europe are victims of some form of sexual violence.  Services delivered locally are usually the victim’s first stop, the challenge to local and regional authorities, therefore, is to develop and implement community-based action plans and strategies, and to invest in better services that respect children’s rights and provide what children and families need. The Congress has adopted a Strategic Action Plan which aims to raise awareness amongst local and regional authorities and other partners on the extent of this problem, and to encourage measures to deal with it at the grassroots.

What sort of action can local and regional authorities take to tackle the problem?

The Congress will encourage local and regional authorities to develop awareness raising tools and launch campaigns to prevent sexual violence against children.  These campaigns can target not only children but also parents, carers, teachers, health care professionals, the police, indeed anyone having direct contact with children. Very importantly, we will promote a multi-stakeholder approach, encouraging local and regional authorities to develop coordinated multi-disciplinary structures, processes and mechanisms which create an environment in which the child’s needs and best interest are served.  All too often, children are victimised all over again each time they have to recount their story to different agencies.

What else is the Congress doing to further the aims of the Council of Europe’s One in Five Campaign to stop sexual violence against children?

I am currently working on a report which will examine how regions, especially those with legislative powers, will be able to implement the provisions of the Lanzarote Convention, the Council of Europe convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.  Various types of legislation can be enacted at different levels in many fields such as child or youth protection, welfare or social services.  This is also true for the local level and municipal bylaws. The Congress’ aim is to develop a culture whereby towns and regions are more child-friendly and enable children and young people to participate meaningfully in the development of safe communities free from sexual violence and I call upon all local and regional authorities to join the Campaign.