With sexual abuse on the rise cabinet approves expansion of Children’s House

With cases of child sexual abuse on the rise, the cabinet on Wednesday morning approved the expansion of the Children’s House, where affected youngsters are supported.

“It was considered important to expand the Children’s House for a better spatial arrangement and upgrade of the services provided, with the ultimate goal of covering all forms of violence towards children,” deputy government spokesman Niove Parisinou said.

The Children’s House seeks to serve justice in a child-friendly way, ensuring the child’s best interests, safety, protection and wellbeing through a multidisciplinary approach.

It is run by Hope for Children in cooperation with the Cyprus police, the social welfare services, the ministry of health and the ministry of education.

The house provided services such as forensic interview, medical examinations, social support and rehabilitation, psychological evaluation, psychological support and therapy and family therapy and parental counselling.

Only last week deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides described the increase in levels of sexual abuse and exploitation of children in recent years as alarming.