Child abuse can now be reported until the age of 50

Yesterday, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached an agreement that marks significant progress toward updating the European Directive on combating child sexual abuse. This is an important step forward in strengthening protections for victims and survivors.

The agreement adapts legislation to emerging technological challenges, including online child sexual abuse material and the misuse of artificial intelligence, while strengthening sanctions, extending limitation periods for reporting offences, and improving victim protection and support mechanisms.

Among the key measures agreed upon are the criminalisation of new offences, including the use of artificial intelligence systems to generate child sexual abuse material, the production and dissemination of manuals or instructions for committing abuse, strengthened provisions against grooming, the livestreaming of child sexual abuse, and sextortion.

Under the new framework, the most serious offences may be prosecuted for up to 32 years after the victim reaches the age of majority, while other offences will have limitation periods of 20 years, and offences such as the production of child sexual abuse material will be subject to a 15-year limitation period.

As a result, in the most serious cases, survivors may decide to report the abuse they suffered as children until the age of 50. This represents a significant achievement for victims’ rights across Europe. Further progress remains possible. For example, in the United Kingdom, there is currently no statute of limitations for the prosecution of serious child sexual abuse offences, offering a stronger legal protection.

The agreement also reinforces reporting obligations for professionals working with children. This measure contributes to breaking the culture of silence and impunity that has too often surrounded child sexual abuse in many institutional and social settings.

While these updates constitute an important step toward strengthening child protection, continued progress is still needed. Future legislation should also address the prevention of Isolating Gender Violence directed at those who support survivors of child sexual abuse. Retaliation against supporters remains a serious problem today and often discourages individuals from standing alongside victims and survivors.

By recognising and addressing this form of violence, societies can make further progress in safeguarding children and ensuring that survivors receive the support they deserve. Advancing protection not only for victims but also for those who defend them is essential if we aspire to build safer environments for children everywhere. That remains the goal—and the hope—for the future. The priority now is to ensure this progress continue