The extent of sexualised violence against children and youth in Europe is immense. Protecting them from it is a task for society as a whole and absolutely requires a holistic approach.

The EU has declared combatting (digital) sexualised violence against children and youth a priority. Negotiations are currently underway within the EU to revise a Directive that has been in place since 2011 and to draft a new Regulation. A particular focus is on curbing digital violence, which knows no national borders. In the area of criminal and family law, the EU can set minimum standards for Member States, but national implementation varies.

To mark the European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse on 18 November 2025, the Observatory has published a series of publications on "Combatting sexualised violence against children and youth in Europe".