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Blog
The courage to heal, the power to lead: A conversation with Rosalia Rivera
Interviewed by Daniela Ligiero, Founder of the Brave Movement I first met Rosalia in January of 2021. At the time, the Brave Movement was just starting to take shape in the minds of a handful of people I brought together to help bring this idea to life. And so we added Rosalia to our list of folks we would interview for the first cohort of survivor leaders for the Brave Advisory group, later named SAGE (Survivor Advocates Globally Empowered). Rosalia is not only a co-founder of the Brave Movement; she’s a powerhouse of honesty, resilience, and hope. I’ve also always had this rebellious streak, a refusal to follow all the rules just because they exist. But I’ve learned that honesty doesn’t have to be sharp. But I’ve learned that healing is not a destination—it’s a process, and every layer I peel back brings me closer to the parent I want to be. Why did you choose to join as a co-founder of the Brave Movement? Years before Brave existed, I had this dream—I wanted to end child sexual abuse like we ended polio. So when I saw you present that same idea in a Brave presentation, it gave me chills. How has being part of this movement impacted you and your work? And I’ve learned to pass that knowledge on to others. I’ve learned the hard way that we can't pour from an empty cup. I no longer feel like I’m working in isolation. The third is a group photo of all of us co-founders at the Brave retreat in Portugal. Seeing wins—big and small—within the movement. We’re not just dreaming anymore—we’re building. Where do you see the Brave Movement in 10 years? I see us embedded in culture, policy, and parenting—where child sexual abuse is no longer taboo to talk about. I also think Brave will be known not just for what we fight against, but what we stand for—healing, justice, joy, and the power of survivors. Brave will be the standard—something that makes people feel proud, not pained. Our voices, our knowledge, our wisdom—it’s all invaluable to ending child sexual abuse. Stay tuned for more interviews with our co-founders as we continue to spotlight the power of survivor leadership in the Brave Movement.
July 7, 2025
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Media
15th anniversary of Lanzarote Convention: survivors of childhood sexual abuse share their experiences through art
Published by Council of Europe
Blog
15 years of the Lanzarote Convention: hope, dignity and progress
For far too long, child sexual abuse was something whispered about, hidden, denied, or if dealt with at all it was behind closed doors. Fifteen years ago, something quietly powerful happened in Europe that changed the course of child protection forever. But for those of us who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, something monumental had taken place: the Lanzarote Convention officially came into force. The Lanzarote Convention began to shatter the silence. This comprehensive Convention marked the first time in human history that nations gathered to focus solely on tackling sexual violence against children. Its full title is a bit dry: “The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse”. Called the Lanzarote Convention because nations were first invited to sign it on the peaceful island of Lanzarote, and for those who did, its commanding measures came into force in 2010. Since 2010, 48 countries have ratified the Lanzarote Convention—and with that signature, each nation committed to putting children first. They agreed to take real, practical steps: training teachers, doctors, and police officers; protecting children online; criminalising grooming and live-streamed abuse; and ensuring children can testify in safe, trauma-informed ways. I’ve witnessed how the Convention has led to tangible reforms—interviews with child victims now recorded to spare them the trauma of repeating testimony; specialised police units trained to sensitively handle abuse cases; public campaigns educating parents and children about grooming and digital safety. Every country that joins the Lanzarote Convention sends a message: that child protection isn’t optional. If your country hasn’t yet ratified the Lanzarote Convention, be kind.
June 25, 2025
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Media
L’expertise des victimes est une clé dans la lutte contre les violences sur les enfants
Published by Le Monde
News
Overwhelming vote by MEPs to end time limits on prosecuting child abusers is a major step towards keeping children safe
An overwhelming vote by the European Parliament in favour of ending time limits for the prosecution of child abusers has been welcomed by leading children’s rights organisations as a major step towards keeping children safe.
Blog
Standing with survivors: My call to strengthen EU child protection laws
Imagine being the victim of a crime so traumatising it takes you years, even decades, to be able to tell anyone about it. Then imagine that when you are finally able to do so, nothing can be done. You are told it is too late for justice.
June 17, 2025
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Media
Why the EU needs new child protection laws
Published by The Parliament Magazine
Blog
Digital futures, safe childhoods: Prioritizing child protection in Africa’s budgets
Governments across Africa must urgently plan and budget now for children's safety in our increasingly digital world
June 16, 2025
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Media
The incredible women fighting to change our lives for the better
Published by The Daily Mail
