A Common Responsibility: The role of community-based child protection groups in protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation

Community-based child protection groups are widespread and are increasingly being scaled up in many parts of the world. They are known by a variety of names; orphan and vulnerable children committees, child welfare committees, community care committee. This discussion paper aims to provide examples of community based child protection groups that are effective in preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse. It highlights the challenges in a range of contexts and suggests ways in which groups can be supported to increase effectiveness, impact and sustainability and the important role children themselves can play in preventing and responding to abuse.