Q

You founded the organization, Innocence in Danger, almost a decade ago, as part of a UNESCO project to bring attention to the plight of sexually abused children, why do you believe such an organization was, and still is, necessary?

A

In 1999, I was invited to attend a conference held at the UNESCO headquarters - the UN's organization for education and culture. At the time, I believed that sexual abuse and exploitation of children was only happening in third world countries. I soon realized how wrong I was and what I learnt opened my eyes. I was horrified at how a child can be groomed, exploited and abused from the safety of their bedroom. However, we learnt that the internet is neither a devil nor god, it is what we as society do with it, what we tolerate and what we refuse.

After a year of great work with UNESCO and other agencies, I realized that in order to make more progress, we needed to be an independent organization. I met the victims, their families and understood the extent of the matter, as well as realizing that a large organization would not have the freedom to really help these people. Child sexual abuse and cyber-pedophile crimes concern all of us. Behind each of the few million pictures circulating on the internet, there is a real child. The denial of these facts will not solve the problem and will only benefit these child abusers.

Q

How has Innocence in Danger grown and developed over the years?

A

So far I have been able to set up independent not for profit organizations in France, Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Lebanon, the US and more recently in Colombia. I'm also working on opening divisions in new areas which will make a difference to the lives of millions of children who need protection.

Through publications, conferences and documentaries, we try to sensitize society's opinion on the subject. We also study the possibilities of reinforcing legislation as well as formulating new laws.

Q

Have you witnessed many success stories that highlight the importance of what you are doing?

A

Yes, the number of cases that we have witnessed is beyond what people imagine, particularly if they are not aware of the cause, or prefer to think that it does not concern them and ignore the issue because it still remains to be a taboo everywhere.

Q

As an online company, CoutureLab totally supports the work of Innocence in Danger. How do you believe the internet has exacerbated the abuse of children?

A

In respect of internet use and children, we have identified four main areas of concern:

The dangers encountered via chat rooms, where we know that adults engage children in conversation and prepare them for subsequent sexual conduct, abuse or exploitation.

Through the internet it is possible for predators to view, buy and circulate images and videos of child abuse, which gives them the false impression that they belong to a behavioral group which is shared by millions so therefore they don't feel guilty.

There has also been an explosion of websites with misleading names and in fact once you have entered the site you can access explicit images of children being abused.

People are at risk of exposure to unwanted material with indecent content when downloading files that contain viruses.

Q

Innocence in Danger also organizes Healing Retreat Programs, how valuable do you think these are for helping affected children?

A

We hold retreats in Switzerland where experts from all around the world host workshops in subjects such as photography, theatre, yoga, music and horse riding, along with participation by international child experts. Every year we welcome nearly 30 children and adolescents in Europe and another 20 in the US.

Innocence in Danger is not a charity but a service that empowers children and enhances their contribution to make the world a better place. During the retreats the children learn to share, to love and to trust again, as well as developing their talents. We try to make them realize that they don't have to be victims for the rest of their lives and most of all, they learn to have hope.

Beyond words of understanding, compassion and common sense, Innocence in Danger is the voice of children. Those who are respected and have the chance to be heard, find it easier to leave their tragedies behind and move forward with their lives.

Q

What goals has the organization set for the immediate future?

A

We want to continue our ground work assisting children and their families in their juridical, medical, psychological and reconstruction procedures. We also want to open offices in countries where there is a need and to have the necessary funding in place to invite a growing number of children to our retreats.

Q

CoutureLab is pleased to promote the work of Innocence in Danger, how critical is this type of support?

A

In 2000, the European Council in Lisbon announced that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a political priority for the European Union. The benefits of this approach are that price is no longer the only criteria when it comes to products or services of a company - social, environmental and human commitments are part of the final choice. Consumers today are looking to buy goods that have fair trade labels and are associated with social or philanthropic organizations. This is why CoutureLab is an example that should be followed. 

www.innocenceindanger.org