The Corumbá City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance and Citizenship (SMASC), held, this Wednesday, May 6, at the Unicesumar auditorium, the official opening of the Maio Laranja – Faça Bonito (Orange May – Do the Right Thing) campaign, aimed at combating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and adolescents.
The ceremony included the participation of the Instituto Moinho Cultural Sul-Americano (South American Moinho Cultural Institute), which contributed to the campaign’s moment of awareness and mobilization with a musical performance.
During the program, psychologist Suzete dos Santos, from the 7th Prosecutor’s Office, gave a talk on identifying signs of violence, the importance of qualified listening, and strengthening the support network in assisting victims and their families.
The CREAS coordinator, Viviane Kerlyn, also presented the schedule of actions to be carried out throughout the month of May, involving talks, educational blitzes, training sessions, social outreach and cross-sector activities at different points in the municipality, strengthening awareness and prevention of violence against children and adolescents.
During the opening, the deputy secretary, standing in for the Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance and Citizenship, Jane Contu, highlighted the importance of collective commitment in combating violence against children and adolescents.
“Violence against children and adolescents is not just an abuse against the body, it is also a violation of the rights, dignity and childhood of these victims. Often, this violence comes precisely from those who should be protecting them. That is why we are gathered here to strengthen this cause and reaffirm the commitment of everyone who works in defending rights and social protection.
We cannot treat this reality as something invisible. We know it is a problem that is difficult to see and to combat, but silence is violence’s greatest ally. We need to speak up, guide, welcome and act. Every child and adolescent who suffers violence carries deep scars for life, and it is our responsibility, as a protection network, to do our part.
We are stronger when we act together. This journey requires unity, commitment and courage from all of society,” said Jane Contu.
The campaign is part of the national “Faça Bonito” movement, marking May 18 — National Day to Combat Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents — and seeks to raise public awareness about collective responsibility in protecting childhood and adolescence.
The mobilization also reinforces the importance of reporting. Suspected or confirmed cases of violence can be reported anonymously via Disque 100 (hotline 100).
