Exchange of best practices between Croatian and Finnish professionals to improve the protection of child victims of sexual violence

Croatian experts representing institutions involved in the future establishment of the Barnahus model in Croatia explored the operational, multidisciplinary and interdepartmental functioning of the model in Helsinki, Finland, and exchanged experiences with Finnish experts.

As part of the joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Establishing the Barnahus model in Croatia”, a Croatian delegation of experts working with and for children paid a study visit to Helsinki, Finland, from 5 to 6 November 2024. This study visit provided a detailed overview of the Finnish Barnahus model, a child-friendly multidisciplinary approach to dealing with the cases of sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The Croatian delegation, composed of the representatives of various institutions, including representatives of the judiciary, the Ombudsman for Children, the Croatian Bar Association, the Judicial Academy, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, gained valuable and useful insights for the establishment and operation of the Barnahus model in Croatia and the strengthening of the judicial system's response to violence experienced by child victims of sexual violence. 

The highlights of the two-day visit were meetings with the Finnish experts on Barnahus from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Barnahus Unit in Helsinki, who presented the historical development and operational framework in Finland, as well as the legal considerations that were significant to Finland when implementing the model. The study visit also included an exchange of views with the Finnish representatives of the judiciary, law enforcement and social services. 

The lessons learned will serve as a basis for Croatia's approach to establishing a sustainable and comprehensive Barnahus model, adapted to local needs. After the visit, the participants will share their findings with their colleagues in Croatia to ensure that the knowledge gained contributes to the future implementation of the model in the country.