23/06/2014 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The 19th meeting of the PACE Network of Contact Parliamentarians to stop sexual violence against children will address the theme “Youth participation: a means of preventing sexual exploitation”. Two experts will speak on children's participation in the design and implementation of projects to prevent sexual abuse and will present some fruitful projects.
The discussion will raise a number of questions: What is youth participation? How does it work and is it an appropriate approach for child victims of sexual abuse? Does it constitute a serious attempt to put young people in the driving seat, including those who are most vulnerable and have suffered abuse? Does participation represent a further load to bear for victims of abuse who are suffering and have a greater need for therapeutic support than for involvement in a decision-making process concerning project design and implementation?