Exploiting Isolation: Offenders and Victims of Online Child Sexual Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a surge in online distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which was already at high levels prior to the pandemic. The harm resulting from being a victim of this crime is severe, and every time a picture or video is shared, this results in repeat victimisation. The impact of this crime area can hardly be overstated and an effective response is of utmost importance.

Europol’s role is to coordinate Member States’ investigations into those who abuse children, encourage and enable that abuse, or make abuse material available through online platforms. Europol uses intelligence products to inform law enforcement partners about suspects’ activities and behaviour, and to potentially identify both offenders and victims. Europol works with partners to organise prevention and awareness-raising campaigns and will contribute its expertise to the discussions around the upcoming EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse.

EXPLOITING ISOLATION: Offenders and victims of online child sexual abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic- European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol), 2020 DOWNLOAD

Cambodia’s trafficked brides: The escalating phenomenon of forced marriage in China

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When: May 11, 2022 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Report launch: Wednesday, 11 May 2022 16:00-17:30 ICT (Cambodia/Vietnam) | 11:00-12:30 CEST (Austria) | 10:00-11:30 BST (UK) The number of women travelling from Cambodia to China for forced or arranged marriages has surged since 2016 and experienced a further spike...

TAGS: Informal Sector Asia

Brexit and Modern Slavery: Impact on the UK’s Legal Framework for Workers in Supply Chains

COVID-19 resourcesPublications

Data on the Number of people referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as potential victims of modern slavery in the UK has increased year-on-year. The number for referrals rose by 36% from 2017 2018 and buy for their 52% in 2019 the second ...Read More

TAGS: Europe

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on Contemporary Forms of Slavery and Slavery-like Practices

COVID-19 resources

The present report contains reflections on and analysis of the impact that coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had on contemporary forms of slavery and slavery-like practices, and recommendations on how various stakeholders could mitigate the impact ...Read More

TAGS: Reporting Global

Un(der)paid in the Pandemic: An estimate of what the garment industry owes its workers

COVID-19 resources

First, in January, when the transportation of raw materials from China to other garment producing countries was suspended, many factories were forced to close temporarily. The next wave hit as the pandemic spread to Europe and the United States (US)...Read More

TAGS: Due Diligence Garments & Textiles Global