Published September 2020

Non-government organizations (NGOs) globally have expressed concerns regarding the impact COVID-19 isolation measures may have on crimes against children.[1] With the closure of schools and other support services, the likely increase in online time, and the confinement at home,[2] it is considered that children may be at an increased risk of sexual exploitation both online and offline. This report presents an overview and analysis of what is known about how the COVID-19 pandemic is currently affecting the trends and threats of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) offences around the world. The report also highlights the trends and threats in the current COVID-19 context compared to pre-pandemic measures, what impact these are having in the short-term, and what changes we may see in the mid-term when COVID-19 measures are reduced. This report was compiled using information from law enforcement, private entities, NGOs and open sources collected by the INTERPOL Vulnerable Communities Sub-directorate, Crimes against Children (CAC) Unit. Key findings and conclusions are drawn primarily from information provided directly by INTERPOL member countries either through individual contributions or completion of a dedicated questionnaire shared with a select number of countries across all INTERPOL regions. (Introduction). Record #6881