European Commission launches network to prevent child sexual abuse
The European Commission has formally established the Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse. This expert group will bring together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to tackle abuse both online and offline. Prevention efforts aim to protect children and address potential offending behaviour. The initiative forms part of the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse affects at least one in five children, with online exploitation rising sharply in recent years. Reports submitted by online service providers increased from one million in 2010 to over 20 million in 2024, and reports of grooming have multiplied twelvefold over the past three years. Anonymous surveys indicate that many individuals who view abusive material were first exposed as children and often struggle to stop without support.
The newly created Network will provide expertise and advice to the European Commission through a multidisciplinary approach. It will focus on safeguarding children and their environments, while also targeting individuals at risk of offending or who have previously offended. Activities will include research support, data collection, monitoring programmes, and sharing of best practices.
The Commission has launched a Call for Applications to select members for the Network. Both qualified individuals and organisations with expertise in preventing child sexual abuse online and offline are invited to apply before 15 September 2025.
For further information, please read this press release from the European Commission and find more about the network and call for applications here.