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Back Launch of the HELP tutored course on protecting children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in Spanish

BARNAHUS SPAIN

Over fifty judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and child protection professionals from across Spain gathered in Barcelona for the official launching of the Council of Europe HELP tutored course on protecting children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in Spanish, a flagship program from the Council of Europe’s Children’s Rights Division developed through the HELP methodology. The in-person event, held at the Judicial School, included presentations from judicial and prosecutorial authorities and demonstrations of the HELP e-learning platform. The event was followed by study visits to the Barnahus centres in Barcelona and El Prat de Llobregat, providing participants with first-hand insight into multidisciplinary, child-friendly practices for supporting child victims of sexual violence.

The course, available on the HELP e-learning platform, provides participants with in-depth knowledge of child sexual exploitation and abuse, explores relevant international and European standards including the Lanzarote Convention, and offers practical guidance on prevention, protection, investigation, and prosecution. It also addresses preventing secondary victimisation, applying the Barnahus model, supporting child victims, and strengthening national and international cooperation.

This in-person launch marks the beginning of a long-term capacity building process, with participants continuing their learning online over the next three months. Under the guidance of their tutors, they will complete modules and assessments while strengthening their capacity to apply child-friendly, multidisciplinary approaches to the protection and support of children. This initiative is part of joint European Union - Council of Europe project “Barnahus in Spain – Strengthening child-friendly justice among Barnahus-type services in Spanish regions”, contributing to a coordinated national effort to enhance protection, justice, and support for children who are victims of sexual exploitation and abuse in Spain.

The Project is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the European Commission, Reform and Investment Task Force (SG REFORM), and in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Youth and Childhood and Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with Parliament.

Event Programme (only in Spanish)