Azorean Government launches short film competition on prevention of dating violence
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity presented in Angra do Heroísmo a short film competition on prevention of dating violence; it is open to young people aged between 14 and 21.
Andreia Cardoso stressed the importance of this campaign, which enables young people to "participate, from the very beginning, using their own language." According to her, the initiative "is suited to the target audience."
This short film competition falls within the Regional Campaign on Dating Violence Prevention, which also includes other initiatives to be developed during the School Sports Games and in this year's edition of the Day of National Defence.
In her speech, Andreia Cardoso stressed that domestic violence "is a national concern," stressing that "it is a particularly relevant concern among young people, starting with dating violence." There are even studies showing that "conjugal violence is a consequence of dating violence."
The Regional Secretary considered that the results of a study conducted in 2016 by UMAR are worrisome. According to it, "16% of young people think it is normal force a partner to have sex."
The same study also indicates that "22% of young people do not recognise that they are being victims of dating violence in the face of a concrete situation."
However, Andreia Cardoso welcomed the results of a recent report indicating that the Region has reduced identified domestic violence cases by 10%, stressing that "this motivates us to continue our work."
The short film competition presented today has the partnership with Burra de Milho Association; the rules are available on its website.