Women who are victims of domestic violence have had their lives transformed by the Reconstruindo Sorrisos program, which offers free dental treatment and professional training courses for those whose teeth are broken by their attackers. The service is carried out in an equipped trailer, and is parked in front of the Casa da Mulher Brasileira (CMB), in Ceilândia, until this Friday (10).
“Each of us knows how fundamental reconstruction and the care received are for self-esteem. And what it means in every woman’s life to have her smile restored means moving forward and starting over”
Giselle Ferreira, Women’s Secretary
In the program, carried out by the OMNI institute and the Ministry of Women, services are provided only by female dentists and are offered to the low-income population. After registering via the website reconstruindosorrisos.com.br, or in person, it is necessary to present a police report or proof of entry into hospitals after having suffered the attacks.
For the Secretary of Women, Giselle Ferreira, the program is of utmost importance for all who have suffered attacks. “Each of us knows how fundamental reconstruction and the care received are for self-esteem. And what it means in the life of each woman to have her smile restored. It means moving forward and starting over.”
Reconstruindo Sorrisos Program offers free dental treatment and professional training courses for women victims of domestic violence who had their teeth broken by their attackers | Photo: Vinicius de Melo/SMDF
Adriana Caetano is one of the users of Casa da Mulher Brasileira (CMB), who had her teeth damaged after suffering domestic violence. “I cried out for help and the house welcomed me and welcomes me to this day. I just have to thank you. Today, I have already received the prosthesis for my teeth, I have a renewed smile”, declares Adriana.
Coming from Minas Gerais, Patrícia Aparecida da Silva is 52 years old, has three children, and fled due to numerous attacks committed by her ex-husband. She came to Brasília looking for help. “In the interior of Minas, I didn’t have much support. When I reported it, he was arrested, but soon after he was released. He prevented me from leaving the house. When I arrived here, my mind opened and I tried to find out more information about the subject. Today I am getting my teeth fixed and I feel safe, embraced by being part of the Casa da Mulher Brasileira”, she reports.
Violence against women hotline
– The Public Security Secretariat of the Federal District (SSP) provides 24-hour service channels. Records of incidents and complaints can be made using the following numbers:
Telephone 197
Telephone 190
Email: [email protected]
– Electronic Police Station
WhatsApp: (61) 9 8626-1197
In the DF there are two police stations specialized in assisting women (Deam), in Asa Sul and in Ceilândia, but cases can be registered in any unit.
*With information from SMDF
