2. How to influence policy to prevent sexual violence – Knowledge of (new) vulnerable groups as the basis of prevention

Sexual exploitation of children is considered one of the most severe crimes against children. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to prevent this crime from happening. The development of secondary prevention measures begins... [ view full abstract ]

Sexual exploitation of children is considered one of the most severe crimes against children. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to prevent this crime from happening. The development of secondary prevention measures begins with the identification of (new) vulnerable populations within society. Children are especially considered to be a vulnerable population for sexual exploitation. However, some groups of children are more likely to become victim than others. Their vulnerability is often a combination of several individual, familial, socio-economic and/or structural risk factors. These factors often influence and reinforce one another. Gathering information about new groups at risk of sexual exploitation, and the factors that contribute to their vulnerability, is essential to the development of measures to prevent their exploitation.

Based on a recent study by the Dutch National Rapporteur, this presentation will focus on two groups of children who are vulnerable for sexual exploitation but received little attention in relation to this. These children were normally not associated with sexual exploitation, but actually had an increased risk of becoming victims. The first group, child brides, were children who had fled from war torn countries such as Syria and Iraq to the Netherlands and who were living here with their spouse, either in an asylum centre or in a municipality. The second group were children belonging to certain Roma-communities in which informal, arranged marriages between minors seem to be a widespread phenomenon. After discussing the results of this research, this presentation will expand on how the outcomes and recommendation were translated into policy.    

This presentation illustrates the importance of identifying and recognizing new, potentially vulnerable groups for sexual exploitation. By having knowledge of the factors that make these children vulnerable, new insights appear in how to protect them from it.