Project Safe Childhood

Project Safe Childhood: Combating Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to address the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). Its primary objective is to mobilize federal, state, and local resources to effectively combat the exploitation of children through the Internet, while also focusing on the identification and rescue of victims.

Objective

The main objective of Project Safe Childhood is to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online. By bringing together various stakeholders and resources, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive approach towards combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through its efforts, Project Safe Childhood seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of children, in alignment with the SDGs.

Collaborative Approach

Project Safe Childhood utilizes a collaborative approach by leveraging the expertise and resources of federal, state, and local agencies. This collaboration enables the initiative to effectively investigate and prosecute cases involving child exploitation. By working together, these agencies can share information, coordinate efforts, and enhance their ability to combat this pervasive issue.

Key Activities

1. Locating and Apprehending Offenders: Project Safe Childhood focuses on identifying and apprehending individuals who exploit children through the Internet. By utilizing advanced technology and investigative techniques, law enforcement agencies can track down these offenders and bring them to justice.
2. Prosecution: The initiative places significant emphasis on prosecuting offenders to the fullest extent of the law. By working closely with prosecutors, Project Safe Childhood ensures that those who exploit children are held accountable for their actions.
3. Victim Identification and Rescue: Project Safe Childhood is committed to identifying and rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through partnerships with victim service providers, the initiative aims to provide support and assistance to survivors, helping them on their path to recovery.
4. Prevention and Education: Project Safe Childhood recognizes the importance of prevention and education in addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. By raising awareness and providing educational resources, the initiative aims to empower individuals and communities to recognize and report instances of exploitation.

Impact and Alignment with SDGs

Project Safe Childhood’s efforts align with several SDGs, including Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By combating child sexual exploitation and abuse, the initiative contributes to creating a safer and more inclusive society for children. It also supports the overall objective of the SDGs to leave no one behind and ensure the well-being of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable.

SDGs, Targets and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children
   • Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This goal aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Specifically, the article addresses the issue of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which falls under the target 16.2 of SDG 16. This target aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The article mentions the initiative called Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative involves the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and it aims to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

Although the article does not explicitly mention any indicators, one relevant indicator that can be used to measure progress towards target 16.2 is Indicator 16.2.3: Proportion of young women and men aged 18-29 years who experienced sexual violence by age 18. This indicator can help assess the prevalence of sexual violence against children and track improvements in preventing such incidents.

Source: justice.gov