Sexual violence is a topic that is not going away - Child Protection Center

RIGA - The topic of sexual abuse is one that is not going away, said Gunita Kovalevska, head of the Child Protection Center (BAC), in an interview on TV3 this morning.

She stressed that the Center regularly receives information about sexual abuse allegations, but this does not mean that there are more cases. More and more cases of sexual abuse are being recognized, she explained.

Asked to comment on the number of cases of sexual abuse against young athletes, Kovalevska stressed that it is currently the "most blatant and loudest" area. She explained that it is a relatively closed environment, with children being together a lot and building trusting relationships with coaches. "And that increases the risk," she admitted.

Kovalevska stressed the need for further training of teachers. Also, sports schools need to check teachers' and coaches' previous criminal records, which is already being done. At the same time, she called for special attention to be paid to the behavior of adults in this area.

At the same time, children also need to be educated, with the basics of safety and body boundaries already being laid at school, the BAC head reminded.

With summer holidays approaching, Kovalevska also called for special attention to be paid to the choice of camps, for example by making sure that the leaders are trained and the camp is registered. Many cases of child abuse have also taken place in camps, she stressed.

With regard to camps abroad, she reminded that there are high risks of trafficking and other manipulation of children abroad. In these cases, she therefore urged parents to be doubly sure of the safety of the camp.