VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

In line with international and European human rights instruments and standards, the EU Member States are under obligation to protect children from all forms of violence. The establishment of a holistic child protection system is the primary obligation of each EU Member State and a prerequisite for the effective protection of children. An integrated child protection system covers a wide range of comprehensive and integrated measures, and includes multi-disciplinary, crosssectorial and inter-agency cooperation of all duty-bearers. Due to migration to the EU and mobility within the EU, the number of cross-border and transnational child protection situations has been increasing. These situations require cooperation between social welfare, judicial, investigative and other authorities in different EU Member States. This paper gives an overview of the EU legislation and policies relevant to child protection, and examines the EU’s role in reinforcing the protection of children against violence.