Over 20,000 Child Abuse Cases Reported in Romania in 2025
In 2025, Romania recorded 20,403 cases of child abuse, highlighting a persistent issue of sexual abuse predominantly affecting girls. According to data from DGASPC, 1,712 instances of sexual abuse were reported, with girls comprising the majority of victims. The real prevalence of abuse is vastly underreported, with studies suggesting that for every identified case, about 30 remain undisclosed. Save the Children has been proactive in addressing this issue, opening the first Barnahus center in 2022 to provide integrated support for child victims.
In 2025, Romania documented a concerning 20,403 instances of child abuse, according to data provided by the Directorate General of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC). These cases encompass various forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, with a notable number involving sexual abuse. A significant gender disparity is evident, as girls were more frequently victims of sexual abuse, with 1,536 cases reported compared to 176 involving boys.
The majority of these abuse cases, totaling 16,939, occurred within family settings, while 970 cases were reported in educational institutions. Despite the alarming figures, experts indicate that the official numbers significantly underestimate the true prevalence of child abuse. Studies based on victim self-reporting suggest a real prevalence rate of 127 per 1,000 children, starkly contrasting the 4 per 1,000 cases reported by specialized institutions. The gap between reported and actual cases reveals the hidden scale of this crisis. Many victims remain silent due to fear, shame, or lack of awareness about available support systems.
Save the Children has taken significant steps to address this issue, notably by opening Romania's first Barnahus pilot center in Sector 6, Bucharest, in partnership with DGASPC Sector 6. Since its inception in 2022, the center has provided integrated services to 165 child victims. These services include psychological, judicial, social, and medical support. Gabriela Alexandrescu from Save the Children emphasized the importance of the Barnahus model, stating, "Barnahus offers protection and justice without deepening trauma."
The Barnahus-FRAME project, also initiated by Save the Children, aims to establish nine additional centers across Romania. Originating in Iceland in 1998, the Barnahus model addresses issues related to child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and child witnesses by integrating social, criminal, medical, and therapeutic support.
The Esc_ABUZ helpline received over 50,000 reports concerning child sexual abuse materials in 2025, a significant increase from 19,369 reports the previous year. Alarmingly, 84% of these materials were produced by children under coercion or threat. The data highlights the urgent need for thorough measures to protect children and ensure their safety in both physical and digital environments.
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