Action mobilizes community against sexual abuse of children and adolescents in Belém
ParáPaz Foundation raises awareness at Benedito Monteiro Square, guiding children and families on prevention against sexual abuse
On this Sunday, May 18, Benedito Monteiro Square, in the Guamá neighborhood of Belém, hosted an important mobilization against the abuse and sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. The action was organized by the State Committee for Combating Violence against Children and Adolescents, along with the ParáPaz Foundation and other agencies.
The educational tool called "Touch Traffic Light" was one of the highlights during the program. According to Angélica Guerreiro, a social worker at the ParáPaz Foundation, this simple methodology helps children to practically understand where touch is allowed and where it is not.
"We work with the children on the touch traffic light so that they are guided on where adults can touch their bodies and where they cannot. The colors are from the traffic light: red is where it is prohibited, such as the mouth and private parts; yellow is where attention is needed; and green is where the adult can hold. Through this, children begin to better understand where adults cannot touch, and if they do, they can take action to reveal it and avoid being sexually abused," explained Angélica.
The initiative went beyond guidance for children. Liani Dias, director of Social Policies, highlighted the importance of raising awareness throughout the community.
"Mobilizing the community for the cause of combating sexual abuse is essential. We are with all the agencies that are part of the state committee, each with its objective, spreading the message. We will hold a walk around the square, distributing flyers so that everyone can embrace our cause. We try to reduce violence against children and adolescents, and we need them to understand the difference between affection and abuse," emphasized Liani.
Kerolem Almeida, 30, who brought her daughter Ketlen, 10, said that actions like this are very important to clarify more about the subject and strengthen protection.
"Sometimes we don't know about these things, and here we end up learning basic information, knowing the laws to protect our children and how to protect them," commented the mother.
The Open Spaces project was also part of the program, offering leisure activities for families who participated in the event.
Awareness- May 18 is the National Day for Combating the Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. The date was chosen in memory of the case of Araceli Crespo, an eight-year-old girl who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in 1973 in Espírito Santo.
