On 23 September 2026, the Committee of Experts on the prevention of violence (ENF-VAE) held a special hearing on preventing sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour by children.
Harmful sexual behaviour by children is a complex child-protection issue. Responses must safeguard all children involved, respect their rights and take account of their age and development. Effective action requires prevention, early identification, appropriate support and proportionate interventions, not punitive measures alone.
Children account for a significant proportion of reported sexual abuse cases, although comparable data across Europe remain limited. The behaviours are diverse, can occur online or offline, and may cause serious harm. There is no single cause or profile: biological, social and environmental factors interact, while adversity is common in many children’s histories.
Professor Simon Hackett (UK) opened the exchange, drawing on his previous work with the Committee, including the preparation of the Study on sexual violence and harmful sexual behaviour displayed by children: nature, causes, consequences and responses.
The hearing also featured a wide range of examples and practical tools from Australia, Norway and the UK, alongside recent studies by international partners, including UNICEF, SOS Children’s Villages, Missing Children Europe and Child Rights International Network (CRIN).
The hearing will inform a new Guidance Note for member states on prevention and early response, assessment and support, safety planning, intervention pathways and system-level implementation. The Committee will prepare the Guidance Note with the support of Professor Hackett, with a first draft due to be discussed at its next meeting in March 2027.
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