Children's House: 1,565 children screened for sexual abuse

Children's House received referrals for 1,565 children to be investigated for sexual abuse from its inception in September 2017 until October 2022, according to a press release issued by Hope For Children Organization on Friday in honor of today's European Day for the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

When the House only operated in Nicosia from 2017 to 2018, 136 children were referred, but when it expanded to the entire island in 2019, it handled 294 cases. In 2020, 324 cases were reported, 481 in 2021, and 330 children were referred until October 2022.

In terms of gender, the 2022 statistical analysis found that 23.3% were boys and 76.7% were girls, which is consistent with the 2021 data.

The children's average age was 12 years, with 14 being the most common. Up to 60% of the victims are Cypriots, with other nationalities accounting for much smaller percentages.

Figures show that 49.7% (164 children) were involved in sexual abuse with physical contact, 23.3% (77 children) in sexual abuse without physical contact, and 20.3% (67 children) in another type of sexual abuse such as exposure or exploitation (eg photos or videos on the internet).

According to the press release, the figures are consistent with international and European surveys, as well as data obtained from comparable structures.

Children receive immediate support if a case is referred to the House until the case is heard in Court.

According to the press release, the Children's House has been able to bring together professionals from various specialties who can speak with one voice in support of the children.

"Hope For Children" supports and promotes the Council of Europe's campaign "Getting it Right: Ensuring Child-Friendly Justice in Europe Through Barnahus Structures," which encourages member states to focus their attention on the Barnahus standards structure ("House of the Child" in Icelandic).

The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare assigned Children's House to Hope for Children.

It offers judicial interviews, medical examinations, psychological and social support, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Professionals from the Cyprus Police, Social Welfare Services, Mental Health Services, Educational Psychology Service, and Medical Services collaborate and cooperate in the House area.