Prosecutors and judges are trained on issues of online abuse of minors

On April 11 and 12, over 20 prosecutors and judges from the districts of Soroca, Straseni, Orhei, Drochia, Edinet, Donduseni, as well as from Chisinau and Balti municipalities participated in the spring thematic school called “Methods and tactics of investigation and examination of cases of sexual crimes committed through information technologies. Aspects of online abuse of minors”.

The event was organized by the International Center La Strada as part of the project “Strengthening the capacity of Moldova to combat online sexual abuse and exploitation” with the support of the U.S. Department of State.

Opening of the event, the executive director of La Strada Elena Botezatu said that the training program aims to develop the skills of professionals for a better investigation and examination of cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Also, following the discussions, recommendations will be formulated to improve the national legal framework concerning the crimes of abuse and sexual exploitation of children facilitated by information technologies.

Traditionally, La Strada organizes two annual thematic schools. This spring, the thematic school was organized in partnership with the National Institute of Justice. It brought together professionals in the field of justice and addressed various peculiarities of crimes related to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Participants got acquainted with aspects of online violence against children, including the vulnerability of minors to online sexual abuse and exploitation; analyzed the profile, motivation, and behavior of aggressors, as well as international and domestic regulations on the protection of children against online sexual abuse, etc. Other topics referred to the judicial response to causes of online sexual abuse and exploitation and the investigation activity specific to these categories of crimes.

In 2022, over 1,200 children who faced various unpleasant situations online turned for advice to the platform www.siguronline.md, which provides services of information, guidance, emotional support and referral, if necessary, to free psychological and legal assistance for children who suffered from online sexual abuse.