The 'Hope For Children' CRC Policy Center (HFC) has been selected as one of only ten organisations to participate in the European Commission’s Expert Group 'Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse' and took part in the Network’s official launch event, held on 12–13 January 2026 in Brussels.
The Network is an initiative of the European Commission and forms part of the actions under the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse. It brings together representatives of EU Member States, independent experts, selected organisations, and other public entities, with the aim of strengthening evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and evaluated approaches to the prevention of child sexual abuse, both online and offline. The Network’s work seeks to support policy development, enhance coordination at the European level, and promote effective prevention practices.
The launch event officially marked the commencement of the Network’s activities and served as a high-level forum for dialogue on the role of prevention in addressing child sexual abuse.
As one of the ten organisations selected to participate in the Network, Hope For Children contributes its extensive experience in the fields of child protection, prevention, and handling of sexual abuse cases, at both national and European levels. The organisation is represented in the Network by Ioanna Drousiotou, Operations Coordinator of the Barnahus at HFC and Clinical Psychologist, who brings to the Network both operational and clinical expertise, grounded in her direct involvement in multidisciplinary child protection systems.
Through its participation, the organisation will contribute practical knowledge and evidence-based expertise to the Network’s objectives, while looking forward to close cooperation with European institutions and Network members, with the aim of strengthening prevention efforts and promoting a coordinated European response to child sexual abuse.
