Child sexual abuse often goes unreported, and a new portal wants to change that

A new online platform aims to address the hidden issue of sexual abuse against children by providing accessible information and support resources. According to data from the European Union, one in five children experiences some form of sexual violence, yet many cases remain unreported, with one in three individuals failing to disclose such incidents to anyone. The initiative was launched by the Lunina Vila Center, which offers psychological and therapeutic assistance to children and adults facing difficult situations. The portal, named protizlorabi.si, seeks to raise awareness and provide guidance to both children and adults who may have been affected by sexual abuse. It was developed in collaboration with non-governmental organizations including the Children’s House, the Strength Association, and the SOS Phone. The center emphasizes that the portal addresses low levels of awareness regarding the issue, lack of understanding of roles and procedures when abuse is suspected, and fragmented access to support services. The portal is designed to reach different groups, particularly teenagers who might encounter inappropriate content online. For example, a teenager receiving a sexually explicit image may struggle to understand the situation, feeling fear or shame, or questioning whether the incident is serious enough to share. The portal includes a section titled “Tell Someone,” encouraging young people to confide in trusted adults who can take responsibility for further steps. The message is clear: no one should feel blamed or pressured to assess the entire situation alone. If there is uncertainty about whether an action constitutes sexual abuse, additional information is available through the “What Is Abuse?” section. The portal also serves as a resource for educators and other adults who may notice changes in behavior or other signs that could indicate abuse. A dedicated page titled “Do You Have a Suspicion?” provides a checklist of symptoms and guidance for identifying concerning circumstances. This section does not aim to diagnose but rather to assist in recognizing situations that require attention. Educators are encouraged to follow a specific protocol outlining their responsibilities and approaches when dealing with potential abuse cases. One school counselor noted that she had not previously considered the topic until she received training on how to discuss it openly with students. Afterward, several students came forward with trust issues they had previously kept hidden. In addition to educational materials, the portal encourages youth participation through a competition offering prizes. Participants contribute creative works, poetry and visual art, that reflect personal experiences or perspectives related to the issue. These contributions help engage younger audiences more directly and offer them a means of expressing themselves while raising awareness among peers. The portal also caters to parents and guardians who may not have specific suspicions but wish to learn more about the subject. Information is tailored to meet their needs, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond to potential concerns. By making these resources widely accessible, the project hopes to create a safer environment for children and empower those who may have been affected by abuse to seek help.