Day Designated to Safeguard Children from Sexual Abuse and Violence in Europe

In the spirit of fostering a safer environment for children, the district of Wesel in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is taking active steps to combat the sexual abuse of children. This societal task, recognised as a crucial aspect of community well-being, is being addressed through a variety of initiatives.

The European Day for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Violence, observed annually on November 18th, serves as a catalyst for these efforts. This day, initiated by the Council of Europe, aims to raise awareness and promote action against such heinous crimes.

At the heart of these initiatives is the belief that children should feel comfortable confiding in parents or trusted persons. This sense of security is nurtured by their previous experiences of respectful behaviour and affection. It is essential that children's intuition is strengthened and encouraged, empowering them to recognise and report any inappropriate behaviour.

In Wesel, several organisations are working together to educate and protect children. The Criminal Investigation Department for Prevention and Victim Protection of the Wesel Police Department, the Family Education Center of the Diakonie Wesel, and the Catholic Education Forum of the District Deanery regularly offer free lectures on these topics. These events, led by experts from the police department and educators from the partnering institutions, provide valuable insights into understanding the strategies of perpetrators and the importance of a preventive educational approach.

For those seeking guidance, the Help Hotline for Sexual Abuse offers consultations and online counselling for young people, adults, and professionals via email or chat. The hotline number is 0800 22 55 530. For further inquiries, the employees of the police criminal prevention in the district of Wesel can be contacted at 0281-107-4420.

Resources such as the brochure "Preventing Abuse" are also available to help families and communities understand the issue and take proactive measures. This brochure can be obtained free of charge at police stations or downloaded from the website www-polizei-beratung.de.

For media representatives, the Contact for the Wesel Police Department Press Office is available at 0281 / 107-1050, fax: 0281 / 107-1055, email: [email protected], and website: https://wesel.polizei.nrw.

Together, we can create a safer environment for children, ensuring they grow up with the confidence, knowledge, and support they need to thrive.