*Machine Translation
The HEROES project is a global initiative, funded by the European Commission, that addresses the widespread issues of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and human trafficking. HEROES started in December 2021 and will end in November 2024. Its objective is to create technological, methodological and strategic solutions that help prevent, detect and prosecute these crimes, and offer support and protection to victims.
To combat these severe human rights violations, HEROES proposes an interdisciplinary approach, merging technology solutions and social sciences and humanities (SSH) while involving 24 international partners committed to developing a victim-centric response to these crimes.
The HEROES project represents a coordinated, global effort to tackle these complex challenges, working in unison with law enforcement and focusing on the special needs of victims to ensure their protection. It stands on three fundamental pillars: Prevention, Investigation and Victim Assistance.
Below, you will learn more about some of the tasks and initiatives developed within HEROES. If you want to know about all of the activities this project will create, or if you have any questions, please visit the website: heroes-fct.es, or contact us at heroes@ucm.es.
HEROES project will address prevention through a mixed approach of technology and social action. To this end, HEROES will develop applications that will help reduce the risk of becoming victims of human trafficking (Fake Jobs Identifier) and increase the security with which children communicate through social networks (Anti-grooming App). These tools will serve two purposes: first, they will raise public awareness about THB and CSA/CSE, and second, they will increase participation of different actors in society in the identification of potential victims and sources of THB and CSA/CSE.
The project’s contributions from the SSH perspective are:
Training curricula on recognizing, intervening, and preventing various forms of sexual violence: Development of an online, e-learning on demand training program focused on combating CSA/E and THB to address the specific needs of key stakeholders involved in the prevention, response, and care of victims.
Online THB and CSA/E prevention programs: Creation of a prevention guide to educate adults with a duty of care towards children, such as educators, law enforcement officers, and parents, on relevant terminologies related to online crimes against children. It aims to inform them about online risks, early warning signs, and effective strategies for communicating with children about these issues.
Training plan to health care workers and related child-serving professionals regarding THB and CSA/E: Designing of a training plan for health care workers and other professionals supporting children who are potential victims of THB and CSA/E with the goal of ensuring that children and families receive services that meet their comprehensive needs, as well as increasing public awareness of THB and CSA/E and on the ways victims can seek assistance.
Two awareness campaigns:
- A children’s rights awareness campaign called The Red Heart Campaign which promotes education, information, and raises awareness of children’s rights in Bangladesh and beyond.
- An awareness raising campaign to prevent the sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism, with key stakeholders including national airlines and the wider tourism industry in Colombia.
HEROES project will develop technological tools that cover the most important needs of LEAs: data gathering and analysis while embracing the very technical, ethical and legal challenges unique to fighting THB and CSA/CSE crimes. Heroes will apply proven techniques of Machine Learning (ML) to implement these tools, along with an innovative solution for the implementation of criminal investigations.
he project’s contributions from the SSH perspective include an analysis of existing legal frameworks of THB and CSA/E including the harmonization of legal frameworks for the prosecution of these crimes and recommendations to improve victim referral processes.
HEROES project will positively impact victim assistance at four main levels: (i) reducing primary, repeated and secondary victimisation, (ii) contributing to specialised training and specialised support, (iii) promoting victim support strategies focused on the specific needs of these victims, including the development of new practices within the justice system to avoid secondary victimisation, and finally (iv) the opportunity to build on project’s findings to promote better procedures and outcomes in assisting victims of THB and CSA/CSE crimes. The collaboration partner NGOs will work with government institutions, national and legal and human rights organisations to build support networks and to help ensure that the full effect of national laws, including remedies for victims, are brought into force.
The project’s contributions from the SSH perspective are:
Best practices guidelines for trauma bonding identification protocol: Development of best practice guidelines for identifying traumatic bonding, focusing on protecting children's rights and avoiding re-victimization. The guidelines aim to help professionals identify and address trauma bonding in cases of CSA/E and THB, promoting recovery and assistance for victims.
Guidelines for awareness and victim assistance resources for community, local, regional and national institutions: Development of a tailorable protocol to establish or strengthen Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) to enhance the care of victims of CSA/E and other forms of abuse, and to support proper investigation, medical and legal care, and the healing process, ensuring they are efficient and responsive to all identified needs.
E-learning-based training programs for passenger transport personnel focusing on identification strategies and assistance of possible THB and CSA/E victims: Creation of an online, e-learning training program focused on human trafficking. The program helps train people working in the transportation sector to feel confident in recognizing potential victims and intervening to assist them.
Establishment of a THB and CSA/E trauma bonding protocol: Creation of a protocol to help identify traumatic bonding in THB and CSA/E victims which also includes best practices guidelines for trauma bonding identification.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101021801.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Spain
The HEROES project will promote cooperation and connection between main parties in developing an integral and transversal system that is victim-centred. The goal is to reduce secondary victimisation.
HEROES project will empower citizens to address the threats of THB and CSA/CSE. It will also increase the European community's perception of security.
The HEROES project will lead to increase confidence and trust in the police.
Victims, citizens, social workers.
heroes@ucm.es
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101021801.
The HEROES project will promote cooperation and connection between main parties in developing an integral and transversal system that is victim-centred. The goal is to reduce secondary victimisation.
HEROES project will empower citizens to address the threats of THB and CSA/CSE. It will also increase the European community's perception of security.
The HEROES project will lead to increase confidence and trust in the police.
heroes@ucm.es
Universidad Complutense de Madrid - Spain
Launch of the Manual for Early Identification of Potential Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), Child Sexual Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSA/E). May 28, 2024.
On May 28th, the Manual for Early Identification of Potential Victims of Trafficking in Human Beings (THB), Child Sexual Abuse and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSA/E) was launched, developed by partners from the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Trilateral Research, Complutense University of Madrid, Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS), and Fundación Renacer.
What’s inside the Manual? 🔍
Practical Tools & Warning Signs: Detailed guidance on recognizing early indicators of potential and real victims of THB and CSA/E. Sector-Specific Indicators: Tailored indicators for different sectors across four selected countries: Bangladesh, Colombia, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Expert Guidance: Step-by-step instructions on how to refer identified victims to the appropriate support services.
Why is this Manual Important? 💡
This Manual is a critical resource for first responders and professionals across sectors, providing them with the tools they need to identify and support potential victims of these heinous crimes. It serves law enforcement officers, NGOs, educators, healthcare professionals, and more, empowering them with the knowledge to act swiftly and effectively in the best interest of the victims.
🔗 Download the manual here: link.
🔗 Learn more about the manual here: link.
Launch of the Connected Kids: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Online Safety and Well-being. September 05, 2024.
On September 5, 2024, as part of the HEROES Project, the partners at International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) launched “Connected Kids: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Online Safety and Well-being.
💡 What will you find in the guide?
In a world where children and young people are spending more and more time online, it is crucial that all adults with caring responsibilities are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect the most vulnerable from the risks of online abuse, including sexual exploitation, grooming, and harassment.
📘 Guide's key topics:
🔹 Putting children and young people at the center of online safety support.
🔹Engaging in constructive, open conversations about online risks.
🔹Identifying and responding to online abuse.
🔹Tips for maintaining trust and supporting children to report unsafe experiences.
👨👩👧👦 With children spending more time connected, this guide is more relevant than ever.
🔍 Access the guide: Visit connectedkidsguide.com to read the guide online or download it in your preferred language. Available in English, Spanish, and French.
Launch of the Course Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Combatting Child Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Trafficking. September 18, 2024.
On September 18, the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), within the framework of the HEROES project, launched the course Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Combatting Child Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Trafficking.
This two-part course, now accessible free of charge on ICMEC's e-learning platform, provides tools to enhance multidisciplinary team (MDT) protocols in combating child sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. It highlights the importance of collaboration between sectors such as child protection, health, law enforcement and legal services.
📚 Key Highlights:
✅ The vital role of Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MDTs) in minimizing trauma to children and families during assessments and investigations.
✅ The importance of a child-centered, rights-based, and trauma-informed approach.
✅ Practical comparisons between standard approaches and MDTs, as well as solutions for overcoming agency isolation.
📥 Download the MDT Framework ➡️ https://www.icmec.org/heroes/multidisciplinary-team-framework/
📝 Register for the free Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Combatting Child Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Trafficking 2 part course here! ➡️ https://icmec-english.tovuti.io/courses/course/multidisciplinary-collaboration-in-combatting-child-sexual-abuse-exploitation-and-trafficking
heroes@ucm.es
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