ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of prevalence rates of child maltreatment across Europe drawing on metanalytic studies and systematic reviews. It discusses challenges facing children's rights in Europe including sexual exploitation, online risks and corporal punishment. The chapter examines the ongoing migrant crisis in Europe, which has seen unprecedented numbers of children migrate to Europe. It outlines policy and strategic initiatives, including initiatives by the European Society of Children's Ombudsmans/Children's Commissioners. The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children is a network of independent children's rights associations across Europe whose brief is to promote implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. While European Union directives address violence against children at European and governmental levels, there is an urgent need to engage in ongoing research to develop knowledge and understanding of the challenges facing children so that innovative initiatives can be taken to help children and families.
