Criminalization of actions related to sexual violence against children: Legal regulation, international experience, administrative and penal aspects

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problems of protecting a child from sexual violence by legal means, namely by criminalizing illegal acts in accordance with the principles, directives and framework decisions of the European Union. To achieve this goal, scientific research methods were used, in particular formal logical, statistical, systematic and comparative legal methods. The works of scientists dealing with this topic were also analyzed. Within the framework of the research, a legal analysis of international standards (conventions, directives, draft decisions of the European Union), decisions of the ECtHR aimed at protecting the rights of the child against sexual violence and their implementation in the new paradigm of criminal law was carried out. Finally, the article presents the analysis of the legislative framework for the protection of children's rights and a new version of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which criminalizes acts of a sexual nature against a child and liability for the distribution of pornographic content among minors. It is concluded that compliance with international standards, the acquisition of a new status by Ukraine requires adequate political will and readiness to update the national legislation.