As the European Day for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation is celebrated in Latvia on November 23, Finnish organisation Protect Children in collaboration with Centrs Dardedze has compiled data from 608 Latvian victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence through the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey. The collection of responses from Latvian victims and survivors continues.
Key Findings:
- 67% of Latvian who have experienced sexual violence in childhood were abused for the first time under the age of 10, many as young as 3-6 years.
- 75% reported they were subjected to childhood sexual violence on more than one occasion.
- 86% of survivors knew the perpetrator prior to the abuse, with 41% reporting the perpetrator lived in the same household.
- One in three Latvian victims (30%) never told anyone and most who did waited over a decade — many more than 21 years.
Read the full paper here: https://www.suojellaanlapsia.fi/en/post/our-voice-latvian-survivors-paper
“Child sexual abuse is a crime that is invisible to society and has long-term consequences, so the survey data is particularly valuable for protecting children today. The data shows that most victims only start talking about what happened many years after it happened, and a large number are still silent about it, so it is necessary to more actively tell the public about the opportunities to report and receive support. In turn, the age of the abusers reveals that it is not only adults who violate the boundaries, but often other children as well. We invite every parent and adult who works with children to learn to talk about safety in relationships and act responsibly in order to be able to protect children in all environments where children are,” emphasizes Anda Avena, a member of the board of Centrs Dardedze.
Latvian policymakers should focus on implementing the recommendations of the Council of Europe Resolution 2533, working to prevent systemic factors of sexual abuse – especially in institutions where children are staying, as well as ensuring long-term access to support services for victims.
“Society must be aware that childhood sexual abuse has long-term consequences. Reporting is important not only to hold the perpetrator accountable, but also because it helps to determine whether the person has continued to commit crimes against other victims. I urge anyone who has suffered sexual abuse as a child to seek help immediately and report what happened. Your courage can help ensure justice, protect others, and prevent serious crimes from going unpunished. You are not alone — professional support is available,” emphasizes Baiba Balode, prosecutor of the Riga District Court.
In Latvia, the statute of limitations for crimes against morality and sexual inviolability is 20 years from the date the victim reaches the age of 18, but if the offense is punishable by life imprisonment, it is 30 years, and the court decides whether the statute of limitations has expired. However, if a new criminal offence is detected, it may allow the perpetrator to be held accountable for previous offences as well.
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, is being carried out by the Finnish organisation Protect Children with the support of the Justice Initiative. The aim of the survey is to hear the voices that have long been silent and to learn from the experiences of victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence, , promoting more effective prevention and support measures.
“The voices of victims are a powerful reminder that childhood sexual abuse can be prevented, but only if we act early. Education, awareness and support are essential to both protecting children and helping victims and their families on their journey of healing,” says Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Executive Director of Protect Children.
A support line 116006 is available for victims of crime, which provides psychological and informational consultations, as well as a website cietusajiem.lv. Adults who have experienced sexual abuse in childhood are also invited to join the “Safe Space” movement.