site.btaNGO: Cases of Violence against Children Are Growing, Lack of Single Database Hampers Prevention

Every second child in Bulgaria is at risk of abused, either at school, or at home. Some 95% of child abusers have been abused, 80% of children who use substances have also been abused, 95% of prostitutes have been sexually abused in childhood, and 78% of those in detention have experienced some form of abuse in their childhood. The data was presented during a National Conference, entitled "Together Against Child Abuse". The event took place on October 31 in Sofia and was organized by the National Network for Children and the Institute for Mediation and Dispute Management (IMEUS) in partnership with the State Agency for Child Protection (SACP).

Nearly 100 representatives of various institutions and civil society organizations took part in the presentations and the discussions after them, including the Labour Ministry, UNICEF Bulgaria, Institute for Social Activities and Practices, IMEUS, Animus Association Foundation, SACP, National Police Directorate General and the Network’s member organizations from all over the country.

Five reports on a single database have been published on the NGO’s website. The studies concern: trends in violence against children from 2013 to 2023; analysis of national legislation relating to data collection systems on violence; mapping of systems; research on international good practices; and guidelines for the unified data collection on violence against children.