Protecting Children from Sexual Violence and Exploitation in Albania

During the last two years, Albania has faced several extreme cases of violence and sexual exploitation, especially against girls, where violence has been linked to online sexual exposure of victims on social networks, as an opportunity to guarantee long-term sexual exploitation by organized groups of young boys or men. These cases have put Albania and its institutions at a crossroads in finding sustainable solutions, which put the child at the centre. Lack of experience in handling cases, increased reporting by children and social prejudices that promote silence or non-reporting have made it urgent the need for discussion between decision-makers, public officials and professionals on what model shall Albania implement to protect and care for child-victims of sexual violence and exploitation.

At the event, the organizers will share findings of the Voices of Survivors project in Albania, with a particular focus on the recommendations for the improvement of prevention and support services shared by the young survivors. They will also present the Barnahus model and discuss with representatives of public institutions, CSOs, national and international experts on the benefits of Barnahus model and how Albania can move forward.