Online child sexual violence: Looking Ahead: A reflection paper to share experience, learnings and recommendations from Promise Elpis (July 2025)
Online child sexual violence is affecting a fast-growing number of children of all ages, in all situations, with the potential for very severe and lasting consequences. Promise Elpis project aimed to ensure early identification, adequate assistance, protection and access to child-friendly justice in such cases. In Greek mythology, Elpis is the name of the spirit of hope. Promise Elpis aims to help children who have suffered online child sexual violence by:
Building knowledge and sharing recommendations: building knowledge on the experi-ence of children and professionals and developing bibliographies of international re-sources; sharing recommendations on regional policy development and exchange in particular in light of ongoing EU Strategies relevant to the field.
Promoting comprehensive child-centred case management: contributing to a compe-tent and committed multidisciplinary team, equipped to provide a holistic and balanced intervention including investigation and assistance.
Innovating and promoting specialized tools for practitioners, supporting specialised professional interventions and operational capacity, adapted to the specific require-ments and needs that may arise in cases of online child sexual violence. The Looking Ahead Paper connects the experience and learning in Promise Elpis with EU legal and policy developments. It shares recommendations for EU and national policy makers to help them take targeted measures for child victims of online sexual violence. It also assists stakeholders and practitioners in connecting their work with the developing EU legal and policy framework.
For further information on ELPIS resources, see further At a Glance : Promise Elpis resources on online child sexual violence for professionals.
The Looking Ahead Reflections Paper connects the experience and learning in Promise Elpis with ongoing EU legal and policy developments. It assists stakeholders and practitioners in connecting their work with the EU legal and policy framework. It shares important recommendations for EU and national policy makers to help them take targeted measures for child victims of online sexual violence, including to:
Ensure child victims of online sexual violence have their needs and rights met
Strengthen collaboration, specialisation and support for children in national and transnational cases of online sexual violence
Improve early identification and prevention of online child sexual violence
Leverage regional resources and ensure a dynamic approach to address current and future challenges
Actively consult with children on how to prevent & respond to online child sexual violence
“PROMISE Elpis” was funded by the European Union through its Internal Security Fund (ISF) program, with partner co-funding. Charité (Coordinator), AvBIT, The PROMISE Barnahus Network via the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Children at Risk, Child Circle, Children 1st, HEUNI (The European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control, affiliated with the United Nations),National Children’s Advocacy Center USA, UKHD (Childhood Haus Heidelberg), Germany)