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Violence against children in Europe and Central Asia
Highlights
Violence against children remains a widespread and often hidden issue across Europe and Central Asia. This new TransMonEE Analytical Series report provides the most comprehensive regional mapping and analysis to date, examining data on physical, sexual and psychological violence, neglect and violent deaths.
The findings show that many children continue to face violence at home, in schools and online. Nearly one in three children experience physical punishment from caregivers, and rates of psychological aggression are even higher. Peer violence and cyberbullying are common, while sexual violence remains one of the most underreported forms.
The analysis also exposes major data gaps. Few countries systematically disaggregate violence data by sex, age or disability, and definitions vary widely between administrative systems. These challenges limit comparability and make it difficult to track progress toward ending violence by 2030.
The report calls for urgent investments to strengthen child protection systems, improve coordination across sectors, and build comprehensive national data collection frameworks aligned with the International Classification of Violence against Children. Without prioritising these actions, millions of children will remain at risk of harm where they should feel safest — at home, in school and in their communities.
