STATEMENT
We are facing a global epidemic of online child sexual abuse and exploitation. With the advancement of technology, the spread and availability of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has grown explosively and exponentially worldwide, and children are increasingly exposed to online sexual violence. This statement delves into the troubling rise of online child sexual abuse and exploitation in France, presenting an in-depth analysis through the experiences of survivors of childhood sexual violence and insights from research conducted on French-speaking offenders.
Central to the statement are the experiences of French-speaking survivors, whose perspectives offer invaluable insights into the repercussions of sexual abuse. These narratives not only illustrate the profound impact on individual lives but also highlight the resilience and strength of survivors as they navigate their paths to recovery. The report emphasises the importance of listening to and learning from these survivor experiences to inform more effective prevention, support, and intervention strategies. Ultimately, this statement calls for robust prevention measures and comprehensive regulation to keep all children safe from harm when navigating the online environment.
About this Statement
This statement from child-rights NGO, Protect Children, concerns online child sexual abuse and exploitation in France and presents findings from French responses to the #OurVoice Global Survivor Survey and surveys of individuals searching for child sexual abuse material online. This statement has been written by Anna K. Ovaska, Deputy Director, Legal Specialist, and Tegan Insoll, Head of Research at Protect Children.
Protect Children
Protect Children is a non-governmental child-rights organisation based in Finland, working globally to end all forms of sexual violence against children. We adopt a holistic, research-based approach to address the issue from multiple angles, advocating for victims, survivors, and families; equipping children and young people with essential skills and knowledge to stay safe online and offline; developing offender-focused prevention measures; and conducting innovative research to better understand the issue. Learn more about Protect Children: www.protectchildren.fi/en