Strasbourg, 15.10.2025 – A comprehensive report was published today by the Council of Europe Committee of the Parties to the Convention for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Committee) on “Protecting children against sexual abuse in the circle of trust”. It focuses on criminalisation of sexual abuse in the circle of trust, protecting child victims of abuse in the family, addressing harmful sexual behaviours by children, as well as protecting child victims during investigations and criminal proceedings.
The report examines how the 48 State Parties to the Lanzarote Convention can further strengthen their legal frameworks to better prevent abuse and protect victims. It measures progress made since the first monitoring report in 2015, identifies promising practices and provides recommendations for action.
“No child should ever be unsafe in the very circle meant to protect them. With our report, we call on all States to close the remaining gaps and make every environment a place of safety and trust”, stressed Maria José Castello-Branco (Portugal), Chairperson of the Lanzarote Committee.
The report welcomes progress made since the first monitoring round[1] – with several Parties now criminalising sexual abuse of children of all ages by persons in a recognised position of trust, authority or influence. The Lanzarote Committee calls on those Parties that still limit this protection to very specific circumstances or only cover children below the legal age for sexual activities, to take urgent action.
Read also
Sexual abuse in the family context requires early detection, swift protective measures, and co-ordinated interventions that prioritise the child’s safety and best interests. Most Parties provide for the removal of the alleged perpetrator from the home even before criminal proceedings are initiated. The Lanzarote Committee requests Parties that have not yet done so, to ensure that removal of a child victim from the family environment is considered only if removal of the alleged perpetrator is not sufficient to protect the child or not possible.
Progress has been made regarding safeguarding and protection of child victims during investigations and proceedings. In the first monitoring round the Committee recognised Barnahus-type models for multidisciplinary services as promising practices that help avoid secondary victimisation of child victims and ensure their effective participation in the justice process. This model was implemented in six Parties at that time but is now operational in 28 Parties.
The Committee calls for States to protect children against all serious harm, not just offences involving penetration. Additionally, children should be protected against sexual activities without physical contact between the victim and the perpetrator such as solicitation (grooming) and inciting a child to participate in sexual performances.
Recognising that children may engage in harmful sexual behaviours with other children, the Committee requires Parties to provide comprehensive education to help children recognise and avoid harmful sexual activities, and to access support if they are a victim. The Committee invites Parties, wherever possible, to take a restorative justice approach when dealing with children above the age of criminal responsibility.
Media reporting on cases of child sexual abuse can be a useful tool to raise awareness when done well. The Committee recommends that Parties that have not yet done so to take measures to prevent the public dissemination of any information that could lead to the identification of any child victim or sexual exploitation or sexual abuse.
Effective monitoring and supervision of convicted offenders is a key tool to prevent re-offending. This is particularly relevant where they hold a position of trust, authority or influence over the child victim. Systematic and regular criminal record checks of professionals and volunteers provide a high level of protection against convicted offenders coming into contact with children. The Committee recommends that Parties establish and enhance mechanisms to supervise convicted persons, without hindering the potential rehabilitation of offenders.
Executive summary and list of recommendations in multiple languages
Council of Europe, Media Department
