125 professionals trained to respond effectively to cases of online sexual abuse involving children

125 specialists — including community social workers and supervisors, child rights protection experts, as well as members of local and district multidisciplinary teams — gathered in Chișinău between May 19–29, 2025, for five workshops focused on the multidisciplinary approach to cases of online sexual abuse against children.

These sessions aimed to strengthen knowledge, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and identify effective collaboration methods for addressing digital environment challenges at the institutional level.

During the workshops, participants were informed about emerging types of online abuse and how to recognize and document them effectively while ensuring children’s rights are respected. Special attention was also given to analyzing the essential steps of a proper intervention, one that prioritizes the needs and safety of affected children.

The agenda included practical exercises based on real-world scenarios designed to help professionals better understand how to work together efficiently and empathetically to respond professionally to cases of online sexual abuse involving children.

Veronica Maevschi, Director of the Children’s Program, emphasized that “Online sexual abuse is a complex phenomenon, and institutions—no matter how competent—cannot fight it alone. Close cooperation among all those involved is essential, built on empathy, understanding, knowledge, and professionalism. That is why, in the workshops we organize with specialists from various regions of the country, we focus on an integrated approach and the development of practical intervention skills for such cases. We believe this learning space will be beneficial for participating professionals.”

According to her, in 2024, 11,894 reports of materials containing child sexual abuse were registered in the country, five times more than in 2023. A total of 29,620 materials were removed from the digital space. Of these, 59% contained extremely severe imagery involving children under 13, often in situations of explicit sexual abuse. Data from the General Police Inspectorate are equally alarming, reflecting a 70% increase in cases of child sexual abuse facilitated by information technologies.

This initiative supports the International Center “La Strada” in its commitment to combating violence against children in all its forms, including online, and to creating a sustainable framework for child protection amid rapid digital transformations. The ultimate goal of the workshops is to establish a coordinated, timely, and empathetic response to support child victims of online sexual abuse, thereby contributing to their real and effective protection.

The workshops were organized by the International Center “La Strada” in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, with support from the Global Fund  – Safe Online.