Regional Government wants to consolidate Strategy for Combating Child and Youth Sexual Abuse on all islands
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today that the Regional Government wants to consolidate the Regional Strategy for Preventing and Combating Child and Youth Sexual Abuse as well as to extend its different axes of intervention to all islands of the archipelago.
Andreia Cardoso spoke in Ponta Delgada at the presentation of the Regional Strategy, which was also attended by the Regional Secretary for Health, Rui Luís.
In her speech, Andreia Cardoso pointed out that this Strategy has been developed by a diversified group of entities, adding that the results achieved so far have "led to its implementation and further extension," namely through the training of human resources.
The Secretary for Social Solidarity stated that the measures implemented by the Regional Government in conjunction with various organisations towards child and youth protection in the Region are innovative, noting the implementation of "groundbreaking programmes nationwide."
Andreia Cardoso pointed out, for example, the implementation of "Impacto," a programme aimed at children and young people victims of domestic violence or who live in violent family environments. It focuses on conjugal violence and its impact on the development of indirect domestic violence victims.
The Regional Secretary also pointed out the "Vinca" programme, an initiative intended to develop affective ties between children and parents, and "Conecta," a programme aimed at families with teenagers facing conflict situations that contributes to the promotion of positive parenting and adequate family coexistence.
The Regional Strategy for Preventing and Combating Child and Youth Sexual Abuse provides for integrated actions to prevent and combat sexual abuse, with special emphasis on comprehensive protection and support for child and youth victims and their families.
This strategy also includes the provision of specialised support to presumed victims through a support agent, whose mission is to accompany victims in their interaction with the system.