MANAGING CHANGE OF MENTALITY IN
SOCIETY AND IN INSTITUTIONS
REGARDING REPORTING AND
SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTING CHILD
SEXUAL ABUSE CASES
Leda Koursoumba, Commissioner for Children’s
Rights
A cry of despair…
You were not there to protect me as
a child, and I’ll live with that damage
for the rest of my life. But I vow, as
a young person in this society, to
put an end to this violence for the
next generation. You can stand with
me, or you can turn your back.
Maya: youth leader, survivor and
street-involved youth (V.O.I.C.E)
A global pact on Children`s Rights
The
Convention
on the
Rights of
the Child
(CRC)
By ratifying the CRC
(and its Protocols), states
signify their consent to be
held accountable before
the international
community for
guaranteeing the rights of
the child
CYPRUS
By ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the
Child (CRC) (and its Protocols), Cyprus signified
its consent to be held accountable before the
international community for guaranteeing the
rights of the child, including the right to
protection from all forms of sexual
exploitation.
By appointing a Commissioner for Children`s
Rights, Cyprus emphasized its commitment to
take action towards the successful implementation
of the CRC.
Child Sexual Abuse
Change of mentality in society
and in Institutions:
Children`s views
Monitoring Role
Children’s Perspective
Children regardless their age,
 Lack basic knowledge which would allow them to
identify a behavior of sexual abuse especially within
romantic relationships;
 Do not know how to protect themselves
 Do not have any opportunities to discuss the issue of
sexual abuse neither in school nor within their families
so as to gain a better understanding;
 Do not receive adequate sexual education in schools .
Change of mentality
Positive effort:
Health promotion part of the
curriculum in schools
Change of mentality
In Institutions:
Implement in practice the right of
the child to participate in all
matters that concern him/her
Change of mentality
Challenges:
 Parents: work needs to be done with
parents so as to be empowered enough
to be able to talk to their children
effectively and appropriately on issues
of sexual violence as well as the
meaning of consent for sexual acts
within a relationship.
Change of mentality in the Institutions
involved in reporting and prosecuting child
sexual abuse
Under one roof
-Towards the best interest of the
child in cases of child sexual
abuse
Change of mentality: The best interest of
the child is given priority
Under one roof
With the overt aim of preventing repetitive
interviews, a child friendly setting, must be
created – an environment designed to make the
child feel secure and comfortable. The aim will
also be to facilitate coordination of the different
agencies in society in dealing with child sexual
abuse cases.
Change of mentality: Trained
professionals with expertise
Children is a special group
therefore needs professionals
who are trained accordingly.
Children victims of abuse require
professionals who are trained and
experienced
◻Thanks for you attention