UNICEF and Dominican authorities address growing risks of online sexual violence
Santo Domingo.- Justice Minister Antoliano Peralta said the Dominican Republic must strengthen prevention, investigation, and prosecution efforts against online sexual violence affecting children and adolescents, after studies revealed that only 37% of teenagers in the country feel safe online.
Peralta made the remarks during a national consultation organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Safe Online, ECPAT International, Interpol, and the Ministry of Justice to examine the impact of online violence and sexual abuse on minors.
The event brought together representatives from institutions including CONANI, the Attorney General’s Office, the Judiciary, the Ministry of Interior and Police, INDOTEL, and the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies.
Peralta stressed that the Dominican State has a responsibility to prevent and punish all forms of digital sexual violence involving minors. He added that authorities are working to improve coordination between institutions, strengthen victim protection mechanisms, and adapt legal frameworks to current technological challenges.
During the consultation, officials highlighted that online safety concerns are particularly significant among adolescent girls, with only 25% reporting that they feel safe in digital environments.
Studies presented by UNICEF, including Kids Online and Adolescents and Internet Use, showed that internet access among Dominican teenagers remains affected by inequalities related to connectivity, access to devices, and digital skills. Researchers noted that half of adolescents rely exclusively on mobile phones to access the internet, especially in lower-income households.
The reports also found that many teenagers struggle to identify online risks and protect themselves despite growing up in highly digital environments.
Carlos Carrera warned that online sexual violence represents a growing threat requiring coordinated action between public institutions and specialized agencies. Participating organizations also expressed concern about the risks posed by emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence, in facilitating online exploitation and abuse.
Authorities highlighted the Dominican Republic’s participation in the international “Disrupting Harm” initiative, which seeks to combat online child sexual exploitation. UNICEF also reported ongoing efforts with the Ministry of Education to develop platforms such as E-mentors and E-pana to promote safer and more responsible internet use among adolescents and families.
