The EU and the Council of Europe jointly funded the project to support the implementation of the Barnahus (“children’s house”) project in Ireland.

Its goal was to strengthen Ireland’s response to child sexual abuse, to reduce delays in dealing with cases and to provide victims with child-friendly access to justice.

First implemented in Iceland, the Barnahus model involves the adoption of a co-ordinated, comprehensive and child-friendly approach to criminal and child welfare investigations in cases of violence against children, including sexual abuse.

Participants at the conference in Dublin on Wednesday 29 January will discuss the key achievements of the project along with the next steps needed for their implementation.

Opening speakers will include the secretary general of Ireland’s Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; Kevin McCarthy, the director for support to member states’ reforms at the EU Commission; Nathalie Berger (via video message); and the Council of Europe’s head of human dignity and gender equality, Roberto Olla.