The Council of Europe, in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health, launches the campaign "Child Protection Starts with You", addressed to all professionals working with and for children.

The campaign aims to strengthen the role of each specialist - teacher, doctor, child rights specialist, community social worker, psychologist and police officer - in preventing, recognizing and reporting cases of sexual abuse or exploitation of children.

Through the central message "Recognize. Act. Report.", the initiative sends a common call for professional and human responsibility: every gesture counts, every voice can protect a child.

With this occasion, Mr. Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, noted that this campaign highlights the important role that professionals play in identifying and reporting child sexual abuse. Multidisciplinary intervention and collaboration are essential in such cases.

Ms. Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, noted: “Child protection is a priority of the Government and a moral duty of each of us. Only through genuine involvement, through actions based on care, integrity and respect can we build a present and a future in which every child will feel safe. Through shared responsibility and solid cooperation, we ensure every child the right to dignity, protection and an environment that supports their development.”

Ms. Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs, pointed out: “Child protection begins where adults are responsible. For the Ministry of Internal Affairs, every reported case is a real chance to stop abuse and protect a life. Our police officers are ready to intervene, but the first step always starts with those who see, hear and have the courage to report. Our shared responsibility is saving children — and we are here to answer every call.”

Mr. Emil Ceban, Minister of Health, emphasized: “Protecting the health and safety of children is a fundamental responsibility of the entire medical system. Health professionals are often the first to notice signs of abuse, and their prompt intervention can prevent deep trauma and long-term consequences. Through this campaign, we reaffirm the commitment of the Ministry of Health to strengthen the capacities of doctors, nurses and other specialists in the health system in identifying, documenting and correctly reporting cases of abuse or sexual exploitation. Together, we can create a safe and protective environment for every child, and each responsible intervention can change a life.”

The Campaign’s activities include information materials for professionals, thematic videos and public communication actions aimed at supporting specialists in recognizing signs of abuse and correct intervention. At the same time, the campaign promotes the implementation of the intersectoral cooperation mechanism by notifying the appropriate authorities and services:

• The local guardianship authority and the municipal sectoral directorates for the protection of children’s rights;
• Child Hotline – 116111;
• Single Emergency Service – 112,

Launched in the context of the Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse marked on November 18, the Campaign is part of the joint efforts to implement the National Program for Child Protection 2022–2026, contributing to strengthening a culture of protection and solidarity towards every child.