Information session on sexual abuse prevention reinforces training for professionals working with CPCJ - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for the Promotion of Equality and Social Inclusion (DRPIIS) and the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), will organise an online information session on the Regional Strategy for Preventing and Combating Child and Youth Sexual Abuse (ERASCJ) on October 16.

The initiative is aimed at members of the Commissions for the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCJ) and their technical support staff. About fifty participants have already registered.

The session is primarily intended to clarify procedures for dealing with cases of sexual abuse of children and young people, deepen understanding of the current Regional Strategy, and encourage joint reflection on the different stakeholders and aspects of the response to such cases, namely the victims, the perpetrators, the community and the institutions.

Among other topics, the session will address sexual offences against children and young people, the relevant legislative framework in Portugal, and the challenges that led to the creation of ERASCJ. The various areas of intervention under this Strategy will also be presented, based on a systemic model that integrates universal prevention, non-clinical support for victims, the rehabilitation of children and young people, and the supervision and rehabilitation of offenders, both young people and adults, under scientific guidance.

The session will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the limitations of intervention within the family context and with children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse, as well as on the role of the CPCJ and the possibilities for coordination with the ERASCJ.

This session stems from a partnership between DRPISS and CAI, as part of a joint initiative focusing on the issue of sexual abuse and violence against children and young people, and on the importance of further training for professionals working with the CPCJ.