In Maio Laranja, SES-TO combats sexual abuse and violence against children and adolescents

In Tocantins, in 2023, 703 notifications of sexual violence were made in children and adolescents aged 0 to 14

Raising awareness among the population about the importance of protecting children and adolescents against all types of abuse and sexual violence, seeking help and reporting, is the objective of the Maio Laranja Campaign, promoted by the State Department of Health of Tocantins (SES-TO). The campaign was established in Law No. 14,432, of August 3, 2022, and aims to expand the activities of May 18, defined as the National Day to Combat Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents.

Data from the Health Promotion and Non-Communicable Diseases Management/SES-TO indicate that Tocantins registered, in 2023, 703 notifications of sexual violence in children and adolescents aged 0 to 14 years. In 2024, the numbers were already 156. “It is important to welcome children and adolescents, establish a relationship of trust in which the child is sure that they will be protected, teach them about the human body, the interactions that can constitute abuse, teach them that their private parts are private and that no one can touch , so that they can protect themselves or report what happened. Instruct on the ways used to attract the child, such as the distribution of sweets and gifts, and it is necessary to always be in dialogue with the child and adolescent in order to be interested in what is happening in their life so that if this situation occurs they feel safe to report this type of situation”, said the psychologist from the Management of the Psychosocial Care Network (GRAPS) at SES-TO, Karla Joane Silva.

The person responsible for the Specialized Care Service for Children in Situations of Violence (SAVI), at the Palmas General Hospital (HGP), Camila Coelho Bittar, reported that “Sexual abuse has major consequences on the lives of children and adolescents. You need to be careful, because when it happens, there is a change in behavior, it can be different emotionally, and school performance changes. That’s why it’s important to seek help, to welcome the victim as quickly as possible. It is a crime, it is necessary to report it, do not remain silent if any type of abuse occurs, whether physical or emotional.”

Where to seek help?

In Tocantins, adolescents and children who suffer or have already suffered various situations of violence, whether physical, psychological, sexual, as well as neglect and mistreatment, can be welcomed at the Specialized Attention Services for Children in Situations of Violence (SAVI), which serves children aged 0 to 14 and also in the Specialized Care Service for People in Situations of Sexual Violence (SAVIS), which welcomes people of all ages and genders. In care, victims are welcomed with humanized and specialized care from multidisciplinary teams, from the areas of social service, psychology, pediatrics, gynecology, pharmacy, general practice and nursing.

Adresses

General Hospital of Palmas (HGP) – Specialized Care Service for Children in Situations of Violence (SAVI), 201 Sul – Av. Ns1, Conj. 02, Lot 02 – Southern Master Plan, Palmas – TO, CEP: 77015-202. Telephone: 3218-7874. Open every day, 24 hours. It serves children aged 0 to 14 who are suffering or have already suffered some type of violence.

Dona Regina Siqueira Campos Maternity Hospital (HMDR) – Care Service for People in Situations of Sexual Violence (SAVIS). Block 104 North, Rua NE 05 Lots 31/41 – North Master Plan. CEP: 77006-020. (63) 3218-7786. Every day, open 24 hours. Serves anyone in a situation of Sexual Violence (regardless of gender and age).

Tia Dedé Maternal and Child Hospital (HMITD) – Care Service for Persons in Situations of Sexual Violence (SAVIS), Porto Nacional, Rua Raquel de Carvalho, Nº 320, Centro. Telephone: (63) 3363-8325. Every day, open 24 hours. Serves anyone in a situation of Sexual Violence (regardless of gender and age).

Augustinópolis Regional Hospital (HRAUG) – Care Service for People in Situations of Sexual Violence (SAVIS), Address: Rua Amazonas, S/N – St. Central, Augustinópolis – TO, CEP: 77960-000. Telephone (63) 3456-1313. Open every day, from 7am to 7pm. Serves anyone in a situation of Sexual Violence (regardless of gender and age).

Gurupi Regional Hospital (HRG) – Specialized Care Service for People in Situations of Sexual Violence (SAVIS). Address: R. Pres. Juscelino Kubitscheck, 1541 – St. Central, Gurupi – TO, CEP: 77405-110. Serves anyone in a situation of Sexual Violence (regardless of gender and age). Open from Monday to Saturday, from 7am to 7pm.