Guidelines for policy makers on engaging with victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation and sexual abuse

Engaging with people who have experienced sexual exploitation and sexual abuse during childhood (victims and survivors) is critical to ensure an evidence-informed approach to legal and policy reforms that will efficiently prevent and respond to sexual violence. Meaningful engagement with victims and survivors allows us to identify gaps in systems and services, to learn from past failures and, very importantly, offer an opportunity for people with lived experience to advocate for the changes needed.

Because of their traumatic experience, victims and survivors may have special needs and expectations that must be taken into account when inviting them to participate in discussions and processes concerning sexual violence. These guidelines are designed to support policy makers in engaging with victims and survivors in a meaningful way.

By implementing these guidelines policy makers will take important steps towards establishing a victim-survivor centred framework based on prevention, healing and justice. Their implementation will help States to meet their international obligations to end all forms of sexual violence.