SEXUAL ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF BOYS IN SOUTH ASIA A ...

Report and investigate crimes against children
• Establish comprehensive legal procedures for reporting, investigating and prosecuting
crimes related to child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
9.3 Policy
National policy on child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Amend existing policies or develop a national policy framework with clear strategies
to prevent and protect children against sexual abuse and exploitation
• Include sexual abuse and exploitation in national plans of action for children.
• Link action plans with overall national development plans.
Affirmative provisions for boys in policy
• Amend existing national and state policies and action plans to mainstream boys’
issues, with attention to relevant areas of vulnerability, such as child labour, migration
and street living.
National child protection mechanisms
• Establish nationally coordinated, community-based and integrated child protection
schemes involving children, families, the community, government agencies, civil
society organizations and service providers.
• Strengthen national child protection systems to prevent and respond to violence, abuse
and exploitation of girls and boys.
Child participation in policy development
• Create mechanisms to ensure the participation and voice of children in the
development of policies and action plans on their behalf.
Implementation of policies
• Develop comprehensive implementation strategies involving all stakeholders,
including ministries, donor partners, civil society actors and children and adolescents,
with appropriate indications of funding, time frame and work plans to address child
sexual abuse and exploitation.
Data collection and monitoring
• Develop and implement systematic, disaggregated national data collection and
research, including databases, baseline studies and progress indicators.
• Establish uniform systems for monitoring incidents of child abuse and exploitation
from the national level.
Reporting of abuse and exploitation
• Establish and support mechanisms for reporting abuse and exploitation. Service
providers and others in regular contact with children should be aware of them and
trained to use them effectively. The general public should be able to report suspected
or real cases of abuse and exploitation of children without fear of repercussions.
Follow-up (including investigations, as necessary) should be timely and effective and
sensitive to the needs and rights of those affected.
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