UNICEF Dominican Republic & Plan International Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, UNICEF Dominican Republic and Plan International Dominican Republic have teamed up to establish and implement the country’s national response board, which is charged with coordinating initaitives that prevent and respond to online sexual exploitation and abuse. Current priorities involve assessing children’s perception of possibilities and risks associated with the use of the Internet; building the capacity of the local child protection board members to raise awareness, identify and respond to cases at the local level; strengthening the capacity of the Attorney General’s Office to prosecute crimes and provide victim assistance; and to strengthen the existing helpline for cases of online violence. The project is also collaborating with Internet service providers to identify and remove online sexual exploitation content while also raising awareness on the subject.