European strategy to combat paedophilia

31.5.2016

Question for written answer E-004530-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D) , Enrique Guerrero Salom (S&D) , Javi López (S&D)

For more than 20 years, children at the Marist School in Sant-Les-Corts (Barcelona) have been sexually and physically abused with total impunity. More than 85 cases have been reported, 50 involving sexual abuse. These cases, at just this one school, highlight not just the vulnerability of the victims but also the difficulties they and their families come up against when they file a complaint and seek justice, as in many cases the time limits for these offences has already expired. In addition, situations like these are beset by a culture of silence in society or feelings of guilt.

In this context, education is a key factor in prevention: education both of children so that they know their rights, and of the teaching staff so that any problems are spotted quickly and in order to acquire the capacities to combat such abuse. Moreover, judicial cooperation in criminal matters is absolutely essential to ensure the guilty are imprisoned and to prevent re-offending.

In view of the above and pursuant to Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and Article 83 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and with regard to the Rights, Equality and Citizenship 2014-2020 programme:

Would the Commission agree that a European Strategy against paedophilia should be drawn up, complete with legislative measures to put it into practice?