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''Local and regional authorities play probably the most important role in dealing with cases of sexual abuse and violence against children. Governments and parliaments may legislate and provide us with legal texts to guide our work, but it is we, at the local and regional levels, who are closest to the victims. It is to local services that children will turn for help, for protection, for action,'' said Keith Whitmore, President of the Congress, at the opening of the seminar on preventing sexual violence against children being held in the context of the Council of Europe ONE in FIVE campaign. He urged the participants to take an active part in the campaign and to discuss the policies and mechanisms used in Europe so that they could also be used in implementing the Congress’ strategic action plan in this field.