Domestic violence, physical and psychological abuse, exposure to behaviour that compromises the well-being and development of children/young people and school absenteeism were the main issues behind the vast majority of referrals registered in 2023 by Famalicão's Child and Youth Protection Commission (CPCJ), which ended last year with 295 active cases.
As is happening across the country, the Famalicão CPCJ and the Famalicão local authority are marking the "Month for the Prevention of Child Abuse" this April, with the aim of making the Famalicão community aware of its role in preventing the abuse of children and young people.
The initiative's programme includes the launch of the "Cria(nças) com Carinho" campaign, which raises awareness of the importance of the full and harmonious development of a child's personality and calls on the entire community to prevent violence in childhood.
On 10 and 13 April, the little ones will put on their police uniforms for a day and carry out an "Operation STOP" against abuse, in a street awareness campaign organised in collaboration with the Public Security Police and the National Republican Guard. On the 10th, the initiative will involve Colégio Mundos de Vida and will take place from 10.30am at the entrance to Famalicão's weekly fair. On the 13th, it's the turn of the children from the Associação Teatro Construção (ATC), from 10.30am, at the Joane fair.
On the 20th, at 3pm, the Praça - Mercado Municipal is organising a showcooking session for children and young people from the ATC and Mundos de Vida shelters and, at 4.30pm, a Laughter Yoga session open to the whole community, with the participation of therapist and socio-cultural animator Carminda Carvalho. Registration at www.famalicao.pt.
The "Month for the Prevention of Child Abuse" ends with the construction of a Human Tie, on April 30, at 11.30am, in Famalicão's city centre, in Praceta Cupertino de Miranda.
It should also be noted that throughout the month of April, and as has become customary, the "Month for the Prevention of Child Abuse" will also be marked in Famalicão with the blue lighting of the Town Hall.
It should be remembered that the Child and Youth Protection Commissions are official non-judicial institutions with functional autonomy that aim to promote the rights of children and young people and prevent or put an end to situations that may affect their safety, health, training, education or integral development.
The Vila Nova de Famalicão CPCJ is located at Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, n.º 94, 1.º andar, 4760-127, Vila Nova de Famalicão. For more information, call 252 320 985 or 911 996 678, or email cpcjvnfamalicao@gmail.com.