Little Butterflies: supporting abused kids, Brazil

Dear Donors,

September 23 is the International Day Against Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking of Children, a date that seeks to raise awareness of the seriousness of these violent acts. This day highlights the need to protect human rights and promote effective policies to prevent and fight against sexual exploitation, which affects millions of people around the world.

Sexual violence against children and teenagers is a practice that still occurs very often throughout Brazil. For this reason, our commitment to Manaus’ minors who are victims of violence doesn’t stop. Given the ever-increasing number of children suffering abuse and exploitation, from October, there will be a new figure in the “Little Butterflies” project team: a psychologist who will provide support to help an increasing number of children overcome past traumas. During the new psychological assistance service, minors will be helped in sessions together with their families. The psychologist will meet with Manaus families twice a week in small groups. The first meetings will serve to get to know the families and their internal dynamics and, subsequently, if the psychologist deems it necessary, personalized psychological paths will be structured based on the specific cases analyzed. In addition, legal and health assistance continues to be essential to help children overcome the scars left by sexual violence.

Aleimar, in collaboration with the local partner Archdiocese Psychological Support Service for Families (SAPFAM) of Manaus, knows how important it is to raise awareness on the issue of violence against minors. Training sessions were conducted on the topics of protection and rights of children and adolescents, attended by public and civil society actors and operators who work in services for the defense of minors. These meetings are important to understand how crucial it is to recognize, address and prevent situations of abuse and violence that undermine the psychophysical development of children. Moreover, it’s essential to stay updated to identify signs of distress, intervene promptly and provide adequate support.

Thank you for supporting our project! Together, we can help young victims of sexual violence to overcome traumas and grow up in a safe and protected environment.