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Sexual exploitation of children
In developed western democracies
approximately one in five children or young adults is the
victim of some form of sexual abuse. Sexual exploitation of
children is one of the worst forms of violence against
children and has long-lasting damaging consequences for the
young victims.
In 2007, the Council of Europe adopted the Convention on the
Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and
Sexual Abuse. This is the first instrument which establishes
the various forms of sexual abuse of children as criminal
offences, including such abuse committed in the home or the
family. The convention entered into force on 1 July 2010.
The European campaign to stop sexual violence against children was launched in Italy in November 2010. The One in five campaign sets the Underwear Rule and aims to promote legal, educational and other measures needed to combat all forms of sexual violence against children.
Furthermore, the Council of Europe's Cybercrime Convention
establishes child pornography over the internet a criminal
offence and provides means for police to work together
internationally to combat it.
Podcast
More information
Launch of European campaign to stop sexual violence against children