Women's Secretariat launches campaign on Belém buses to raise awareness about violence against women
The action brings guidance directly to the public transport of the capital and reinforces the importance of information as a tool for protection and social mobilization
The routine of those who use the buses in the Metropolitan Region of Belém now includes a new message: "Don't Stay Silent". The campaign, launched by the State Secretariat for Women (Semu), aims to promote the "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol to the population, fostering information, support, and awareness about confronting violence against women.
The action began with the posting of posters on public transport and strategic points in the city. This morning, the campaign was present at the UFPA Station, where, in addition to placing materials on the buses, informational pamphlets were also distributed to the population waiting for transport. The direct approach sought to engage with women, students, workers, and passengers in general, conveying the message that violence should not be silenced — and that there is a protocol designed to protect, guide, and support.
“Today we are here at the UFPA Station continuing the dissemination of the 'Don't Stay Silent' Protocol, with the posting of posters on the buses and handing out pamphlets to public transport users. This initiative is part of the strategy to multiply the protocol in the territories. The protocol directly addresses situations such as sexual harassment, which unfortunately is still common on buses. Therefore, we invite all of society to join this fight: let’s adhere to the protocol, confront violence against women together, and ensure more safety and dignity for all women,” emphasized Telma Lima, social worker at the Women's Secretariat.
For those who experience the daily routine of public transport, actions like this represent a necessary advancement. “This is a very important initiative because it offers more protection to women through information and awareness. The dissemination of the protocol is essential to ensure dignity, safety, and support for those facing situations of violence,” stated Jéssica Gama, a Pedagogy student at UFPA.
About the "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol - The "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol is a state public policy aimed at confronting violence against women in bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and similar establishments. It establishes guidelines for these spaces on how to act in cases of harassment, violence, or situations of vulnerability, welcoming the victim with respect and activating the protection network.
The initiative is coordinated by the State Secretariat for Women (Semu), in partnership with the State School of Public Governance of Pará (EGPA) — responsible for the training platform — and with the support of the Secretary of Public Security and Social Defense (Segup), the Secretary of Justice (Seju), through Procon Pará, and the Civil Police. The protocol is the result of an intersectoral construction that ensures an articulated and effective response from the State.
On June 23, the State Government officially launched the training platform for the protocol, aimed at owners, managers, attendants, and other professionals in the covered establishments. The course is free, online, and covers different types of violence, humanized support, legal guidance, and existing reporting channels. At the end, establishments that complete the training will receive the "Don't Stay Silent" seal as recognition of their commitment to women's safety.
“We are building a public policy that dialogues with the daily lives of women. By bringing this message to the buses and talking directly with the population, we are saying that confronting violence is the responsibility of all society — and that each person can be part of the change,” stated the State Secretary for Women, Paula Gomes.
Text: Gabryella Pompeu, Ascom/Semu
