A New Look at Victim Care
Young people and teenagers in Barcelona who have experienced situations of sexual abuse now have access to an innovative initiative: the Barnahus. This center offers comprehensive attention to victims, gathering all the agents involved in the case under one roof.
With its launch this Friday, the Barnahus is already starting its work with more than 60 cases in its portfolio, highlighting the existing demand in this area.
Coordination and Dual Resources
Unlike other Barnahus in the territory, the Barcelona resource has two services in the same building. This implies a more agile and efficient response to Barcelona’s dense population. With a duplicate team, made up of several professionals, this center is ready to face the challenges with determination.
This team includes psychologists, social workers, coordinators and administrative staff, all committed to providing essential support to victims and their families.
Friendly and reliable environment
The Barnahus de Barcelona, managed by the Fundació Infància i Família, is designed to create a welcoming and safe environment. The facilities, which are more like a home than a care center, are designed to make young people and their families feel comfortable and confident.
With comfortable waiting rooms, toys and a closed circuit television for recordings, it seeks to minimize the traumatic impact on the victims and facilitate the process of gathering evidence.
A Decisive Step in the Fight against Sexual Abuse
The launch of this Barnahus in Barcelona represents a turning point in the fight against child sexual abuse. The main objective is to provide more agile and effective care, preventing victims from being forced to relive their trauma through repeated statements.
Carles Campuzano, Councilor for Social Rights, highlights the importance of this resource as a tool to face a reality that, until now, had remained hidden. With a proactive approach, the Barnahus seeks to not only minimize but also eradicate child sexual abuse in the long term.
An Innovative Model for Catalonia
The concept of Barnahus, literally ‘the children’s house’ in Icelandic, represents a pioneering approach to care for victims of sexual abuse. Although it has proven successful in Scandinavian countries, its implementation in Catalonia represents a step forward in protecting the rights of the most vulnerable.
After the success of the pilot initiative in Tarragona, the Generalitat has extended the model throughout the territory, recognizing its effectiveness in detecting and assisting victims. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where no child has to suffer in silence, promoting a culture of prevention and support.
