Key facts
- New EU rules will cover AI in child abuse cases and extend the limitation period for prosecution.
- Victims can file complaints against alleged assailants until they turn 50 in all EU member states.
- This provides a minimum of 32 years to file charges after reaching 18.
- The statute of limitations for other child sexual offenses is extended to at least 20 years.
- The directive includes new offenses like grooming and AI-generated child abuse images.
- Higher penalties will be imposed on offenders.
The European Union has reached a landmark agreement on a new Child Sexual Abuse Directive, which significantly strengthens protections for victims and increases penalties for offenders. After two years of negotiations, the directive will extend the time limit for victims to file complaints against alleged assailants to a minimum of 32 years after they reach adulthood, effectively allowing them to bring charges until they turn 50. This measure aims to create greater consistency across EU member states, particularly for countries with historically shorter limitation periods.
The directive also broadens the scope of covered offenses to include grooming and the use of AI in generating child abuse material, while also mandating higher penalties for perpetrators. For other child sexual offenses, the statute of limitations has been extended to a minimum of 20 years.
Victims and advocacy groups have welcomed the directive. Miguel Hurtado Calvo, spokesperson for Brave Movement, stated that the directive is a vital step towards ensuring access to justice for survivors, sharing a personal account of how statutes of limitations had previously denied justice. He emphasized that the ultimate goal remains the full abolition of these limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases across all EU member states.
Separately, a report by Out of the Shadows assessed child protection measures in various countries. The UK ranked first in prevention strategies, while Australia achieved the highest overall score globally. Germany, however, received a low score for prevention but performed well in recovery services and legal aid for victims.