ASUNCIÓN, PARAGUAY – In response to the shocking reality of child abuse, Paraguay's Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence (Minna) has launched a large-scale campaign to raise awareness about child abuse prevention guidelines. The campaign particularly emphasizes that 95% of child sexual abuse occurs within relationships of trust, encouraging the active participation of protection systems and society as a whole.
"Everyone is Responsible" Campaign Expands Nationwide
This year, Minna plans to continue its child abuse prevention efforts under the slogan "Todos somos responsables" (Everyone is Responsible), utilizing various strategies and tools. Last Sunday, Minna held a pilot event at the Port of Asunción, demonstrating the format of workshops to be conducted nationwide. This shows that child abuse prevention education focuses not merely on conveying information but on fostering genuine participation and shifts in perception.
Minister Walter Gutiérrez of Minna stated that in 2024, approximately 100,000 people were reached through awareness-raising activities, and this year, the goal is to double that effort to reach even more people. He emphasized that child abuse prevention is not limited to the role of protection systems but requires the participation of all members of society, including adults, families, and teachers.
"Not Everything Is What It Seems": Emphasizing the Risk of Abuse Within Trust Relationships
The core slogan of this year's campaign is "No todo es lo que parece" (Not Everything Is What It Seems). This is to remind people that most child sexual abuse occurs within relationships of trust, involving people the child trusts and relies on, such as family members, relatives, teachers, and neighbors. This reality breaks the stereotype that child abuse is a strange threat from outsiders, delivering an important message that it is a serious problem that can happen in our own surroundings.
Minister Gutiérrez also stressed to child victims, "Never be silent; there will always be a trusted adult." He urged, "Whether it's a mother, a teacher, an uncle, or any other form, there will be someone who will protect and care for you," adding, "The state will restore your rights, so do not be afraid to report." This is a powerful message encouraging child victims to bravely disclose abuse and affirming that the state is ready to protect and support them.
Increasing Reports: A Positive Sign of Improved Awareness
Regarding the statistic that child abuse reports exceeded 3,500 in 2024, Minister Gutiérrez did not interpret this negatively. Instead, he explained that this increase means people are more aware that child sexual abuse is a crime that must be reported. He noted that abuse facts that were once hushed up or concealed are now beginning to come to light.
He emphasized that the current increase in reports compared to previous years is precisely thanks to these awareness-raising campaigns. Minna stated that future campaigns would help measure whether current prevention policies are effectively contributing to a reduction in child abuse. This can be interpreted as a positive change indicating not just an increase in reports, but an overall increase in societal interest and sense of responsibility regarding the issue of child abuse.
Societal Solidarity: The Key to Eradicating Child Abuse
Minna's current campaign emphasizes that child abuse is not an individual problem but a societal one, a challenge that all members must work together to resolve. It particularly focuses on raising awareness about the sensitive issue of abuse within trusted relationships and creating an environment where child victims can speak out without fear.
Preventing child abuse is not an achievement that can be accomplished in a short period. Continuous education, awareness improvement, and, above all, the active participation and solidarity of all members of society are essential. It is hoped that Minna's "Everyone is Responsible" campaign will serve as an important foundation for creating a safe society free from child abuse across Paraguay.
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