Child Sexual Abuse in Europe

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...
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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.