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Undergoing criminal proceedings is always a stressful experience, especially for children (Sempere, 2020). Factors such as the judicial environment, potential contact with the perpetrator, the obligation to respond to questioning, and a general lack of knowledge regarding the legal system can generate anxiety and discomfort in children involved in any judicial process (Quas & Goodman, 2012). Furthermore, this negative emotional state can alter memory and, as a result, impact the quality of testimony (Thoman, 2013), thus exerting negative effects on the judicial process. In order to reduce this impact, some authors highlight the importance of developing preparatory interventions to facilitate children’s and adolescents’ understanding of the legal environment (Quas et al., 2009). Several guides have been written with guidelines and recommendations for professionals and caregivers (see the guidelines for caring for victims of child sexual abuse during the judicial process by Echeburúa & Subijana, 2008). However, resources for children and adolescents themselves are limited. In Spain, these resources are even scarcer, and the ones that do exist are poorly adapted to the needs of minor victims involved in criminal proceedings. That is why our aim was to develop a resource that assists professionals in preparing children who are required to face criminal proceedings. As a result, we have created a storybook to help children who have experienced abuse or violence understand the judicial process and become familiar with its key participants.

The following Regional Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates. We obtained information from 62 countries including 10 countries in Africa, 9 in the Americas, 19 in Asia, 22 in Europe, and Australia and New Zealand in Oceania. Countries were also categorized by income level using designations by the World Bank; 27 countries had high income, 20 upper-middle income and 15 were low income. Those who responded are considered experts in their countries in different disciplines with knowledge of country-level data, and they were encouraged to consult with colleagues when uncertain of an answer. That said, ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of responses. In conclusion, this report offers a snapshot of the state of CM and child protection across many countries across the globe. Taken together over the history of publication, much has been accomplished—especially in terms of awareness of the child maltreatment problem and the development of systems to address it. That said, concerns from infrastructure to expertise, to leveraging the lived experience of communities, remains a challenge made even more.

This Country Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates.

This Country Data Profile is based on information provided by knowledgeable professionals in the country. It is often difficult to capture the varying circumstances and ISPCAN was unable to verify the accuracy of the information. It is our hope that each profile offers a useful snapshot of issues related to child protection in each country. The 2020 World Perspectives survey was modified for this most recent data collection, mostly to help clarify the meaning of some questions and provide more guidance to respondents. Respondents were given a link to complete the survey online. The development of the survey was guided by input from an international advisory committee convened for the purposes of collecting country level data and who are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. The content covered consideration of what circumstances were CM in the country; specific policies regarding CM; legal responses to child sexual exploitation (CSE); services used to address CM; prevention strategies; and barriers to prevention. Data was gathered between December 2019 and February 2020. It is important to note that data on many of the issues may not have been available, requiring respondents to provide educated estimates.