Compensation, remedies and complaints arrangements

Definition 

  • The provision of effective remedy and reparations for CSEA victims and their guardians/ caregivers. This includes: Services to aid the recovery of CSEA victims including medical, psychological, social care, legal, housing, education/training services 
  • Accessible, fair and transparent compensation arrangements 
  • Accessible advocacy services, including support for self-advocacy 
  • Independent complaints procedure 
  • Procedures are in place to ensure CSEA victims have the best possible opportunity to access the services available. This includes the provision of child-sensitive information and advice about the services.

Why it is needed? 

  • Social stigma, personal or family shame and fear often make it unacceptable or unthinkable for CSEA victims to recognize themselves as victims and publicly seek redress or speak about their trauma.
  • Often those responsible for offending against CSEA victims do so through exertion of power or control over their victims; suitable legal remedy and public reparation would help victims redress such imbalance.

Good practice 

  • The provision of services and procedures is a well-established obligation under international law, enshrined in the core international human rights treaties, international standards and regional human rights mechanisms.
  • Both short and long-term services should be made available.In particular, psychological and therapeutic support should be provided both during and beyond childhood, as the consequences of CSEA can last into adulthood.
  • Services should take into account gender, age, level of maturity and the rights and needs of the child, avoiding unnecessary procedures and interviews, in order to prevent further trauma and to promote the physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims.
  • Children who have been subjected to sexual abuse and/or exploitation and, especially girls who have become pregnant or children living with HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections as a result of the abuse, should receive age-appropriate medical advice and counselling and be provided with the requisite physical and mental health care and support.