CARE – Support network for children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse

The sexual abuse of children and young people constitutes a serious violation of their rights and their physical and mental integrity. It is a complex social problem which has a highly adverse and lasting impact on children, who require an integrated approach involving several bodies and professionals working closely together. Owing to their age and their cognitive and emotional development, children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse represent a particularly vulnerable at-risk group.

The CARE project, which is run by APAV (the Portuguese Victim Support Association) is developing a support and referral network for cases of sexual abuse affecting children and young people. The project is supported by a partnership which, by working in a collaborative manner, can provide victims and their families with specialised support, taking into account the defence and promotion of the rights and interests of these victims of sexual crime.

This project began in late 2015 and will continue until the last quarter of 2017.