Statement by Julia Von Weiler (Innocence in Danger) on the occasion of the EESC hearing on 'Protection of children against sexual abuse'

1. public hearingPreventive measures for the protection of children against sexual abuse European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels, Tuesday 21 June 2011 Statement Julia von Weiler - Innocence in Danger e.V.

2. Prevention needs to function on many different levels In order to be really effective prevention programs need to reach out to children, adolescents, parents, teachers as well as all those who work with children – either professionally or voluntarily (i.e. in sport clubs, scouts, etc.).

3. 1. Educational programs especially designed for children Kindergarten Children Elementary School Children Prepubescent Children Pubescent Children Adolescents

5. my body

6. trusting my feelings / instincts

7. good and bad secrets

8. being touched in a good and bad

9. my right to say “no”

10. how to keep safe

12. how to keep safe online and using digital media

14. Strategies used by the perpetrator – including online strategies

15. Who is at risk – including online

16. How do victims feel

17. What do victims need

18. What to do when I suspect a case of child sexual abuse

19. What to do when a victim turns to me for help

20. What do different institutions do (youth welfare, counselling, therapy, police, etc.)

22. How does this institution deal with a suspected case of csa by a team member

25. Informational evening for parents

26. Opening event

27. Getting in touch with a local professional counselling office

28. Working in classes with the teaching materialsThese exhibitions are very successful. They have been touring throughout Germany. Meanwhile they have gone international and reached Switzerland and Mozambique! www.petze-kiel.de

29. German Best Practice Example # 1

30. German Best Practice Example # 2 theaterpädgagogische werkstatt gGmbH (theatre pedagogical workshop - tpw) offers different plays for different age groups. All plays are accompanied by a work unit for teachers as well as parents. “My body belongs to me” for elementary school children has been touring since 2000. It entails information about strategies used by the perpetrator, how to trust your instincts, how to get help, etc. “The huge “No-Barrel” for kindergarten children as well as 1st and 2nd graders. Deals with trusting your instincts.

32. A training program for social workers and teachers to sensitize them to the topic and to show them options how to handle it. The participants learn how to speak about sexual assaults and how they may prevent them.

33. An information event for all those who are responsible for kids and teens. They learn how to assist young people to protect themselves and to speak about their experiences with sexual violence.

35. German Best Practice Example # 3 Innocence in Danger e.V. Peer2Peer Prevention

36. German Best Practice Example # 3 in cooperation with tpw (see 2), “EigenSinn – an NGO working on prevention and the “Wilfull”. Chosen and recruited adults will be trained as coaches to then educate teenagers as “Smart User Trainer” (SUT) at their local institution or organization. The SUTs again will educate younger peers about sexual harassment through various forms of digital communication systems, and help victims to find local counseling. The SUTs will approach peers at institutions they are part of like schools, youth centers, etc. The program is offered in Peer2Peer workshops during an entire school semester, project weeks or even project days at the respective institutions.

37. German Best Practice Example # 3 “Schütztendlichunsere Kinder” (Do protect our children) Innocence in Danger e.V. developed material for parents, schools, adolescents concerning online sexual violence and abuse. It’s all offered free of cost thanks to the financial support of RTL 2: www.schuetzt-endlich-unsere-kinder.de

39. a portal where all these programs are being made easily accessible – thus establishing a strong prevention network

40. obligatory quality standards for programs as well as institutions