The members of multidisciplinary teams across the country have strengthened their skills in managing cases of online sexual abuse against children.
125 child protection professionals and community social workers – members of multidisciplinary teams from across the country – have strengthened their professional competencies in the multidisciplinary approach to cases of online sexual abuse of children.
The training sessions took place during October and November of this year, within five dedicated workshops, bringing together members of local and district multidisciplinary teams from all regions of the country. Participants enhanced their capacities through updated knowledge, practical tools, and concrete examples of intervention in cases of online sexual abuse. Throughout the sessions, participants explored the various forms of online sexual violence affecting children, analyzed the necessary steps for an effective intervention, and reaffirmed the importance of inter-institutional cooperation. Trainers emphasized the practical aspects of intervention, provided space for reflection and exchange of best practices among team members, and focused on developing a coordinated, prompt, and empathetic response to support child victims of online sexual abuse—thus contributing to their real and sustainable protection.
At the opening of the training, Anastasia Gruzin, Deputy Head of the Child and Family Rights Protection Policy Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, highlighted the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and the need for a prompt and empathetic response to support children who are victims of online abuse. She also commended the initiative of the International Center “La Strada” for organizing such workshops.
In turn, Veronica Maevschi, Director of the Children’s Program of the International Center “La Strada,” noted that the organizers aimed to contribute to the development of a coherent and sustainable multidisciplinary response to ensure the real protection and recovery of children following traumatic experiences.
“1 in 2 children are involved in sharing sexually explicit images in online communication.
2 in 7 children are threatened with intimate images by someone online.
1 in 5 children do not know how to react in a situation of online violence.
1 in 10 children are exposed to online harassment.
1 in 3 children have had their reputation compromised through sexualized images.
In 100% of reported cases of online sexual abuse, the victims are girls—50% of them aged 16–18. Boys aged 13–15 are more vulnerable to sexual abuse occurring in online games,” said Veronica Maevschi.
According to her, since the beginning of its work, the Child Assistance Team of the International Center “La Strada” has provided support in 907 cases of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
Over the five training days, participants, guided by field experts, addressed key topics such as:
- Understanding the phenomenon of online sexual abuse of children and its various forms;
- The intervention of multidisciplinary teams and the specifics of inter-institutional collaboration;
- The legal framework and the role of the police in investigating online sexual abuse cases;
- The specific needs of child victims and measures for psychological and social support;
- Practical procedures for intervention and case management.
Participants also had the opportunity to analyze real-life situations, discuss challenges encountered in their work, and share good practices for an effective and coordinated response. The practical component of the workshops—encouraging experience sharing and peer learning—was highly appreciated by attendees. At the end of the sessions, participants described the training as a valuable experience that helped clarify the roles of each institution in the intervention process and improved communication among professionals.
“Cases of online sexual abuse are becoming increasingly complex and require a coordinated response. During the workshop, we gained a better understanding of how to collaborate effectively with the police, schools, and social services to protect the child without causing further trauma” said one of the social workers.
Many participants emphasized that the training helped them better understand the emotional impact of online abuse on children and the importance of early and empathetic intervention.
Five similar workshops had already been held in May of this year. In total, 250 professionals have now been trained in managing cases of online sexual abuse of children.
The sessions were organized by the International Center “La Strada Moldova”, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children – Safe Online initiative.
