Yet, for too many survivors around the world, the journey towards justice is filled with barriers. From victim-blaming to fear of retribution, many are left feeling silenced by the very systems meant to protect them.
Our new report, “Voices of Survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse on Access to Justice and Legal Remedies,” shares powerful testimonies from survivors in Moldova, South Korea, Kenya, and beyond. Their experiences highlight the urgent need for justice systems that listen to survivors, treat them with compassion, and ensure they are protected every step of the way.
The report brings together insights from multiple research efforts, including Disrupting Harm—a multi-country study led by ECPAT International, INTERPOL, and UNICEF Innocenti with support from Safe Online—and the Voices of Survivors project by WeProtect Global Alliance and ECPAT International.
Together, these findings help build a clearer picture of the obstacles survivors face in accessing justice, including systemic failures in law enforcement and courtroom procedures that end up re–traumatising children.
As one survivor from Thailand recalls:
“The police said it was late, and why we were not at home. I explained to them what happened. Then they said, ‘Why did you go out at night?’ They seemed to want to blame me for what had happened.”
When justice systems centre the best interests of children, the process can become one of reassurance, not fear. With the right support, children can feel heard, respected, and safe to speak. As some survivors shared:
“I felt the judge listened to me and I felt like I was free to ask questions.”
“The lawyer did make it easier and encouraged me to speak. I was worried and scared about what was happening, but she said, ‘Don’t worry, I will sort it out.’”