The DISRUPT project brings together 5 partners from 5 different countries with the aim to improve investigations, prosecutions and the judicial response based on digital evidence in the area of trafficking of children.

The DISRUPT project will develop an in innovative framework for the future use of digital evidences for the purpose of overcoming challenges related to technology-facilitated trafficking of children, as well as reducing the risk of secondary victimisation. The project aims to increase the capabilities of digital-evidence-based investigations, prosecutions, as well as judicial responses in the area of THB.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Identify the state-of-the-art, as well as the gaps of the use of digital evidence regarding cases of THB, especially that of children.
• Enhance professionals’ capabilities in terms of digital evidence-based investigations, prosecution and judicial response in THB cases, especially when it comes to children.
• Establish guidance for Public-Private-Partnership as a cooperation mechanism for relevant authorities and practitioners to cooperate regarding THB, especially in the case of child victims.
• Raise awareness on the issues of trafficking of children and the potential of digital evidence at national and EU level.

Partners:

• University of Malta, the IPG Department (Malta, coordinator)
• Law and Internet Foundation(Bulgaria)
• CESIE (Italy)
• VICESSE (Austria)
• Victim Support Europe (Belgium)

The project is funded by the ISF programme of the European Commission, runs for 24 months and started in April 2023.