Little Butterflies: supporting abused kids, Brazil

Dear Donors,
In Brazil, particularly in the most vulnerable areas of the favelas, widespread poverty is intertwined with high levels of crime, violence and child exploitation, contributing to an increasingly fragile and unstable social environment. In these neighborhoods, children and adolescents grow up surrounded by insecurity, a lack of essential services and limited educational opportunities. Young people are especially exposed to the risk of school dropout, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and recruitment by organized crime, which exploits their vulnerability to fuel cycles of illegality.

According to data released by the Ministério dos Direitos Humanos e da Cidadania, more than 17,500 cases of violence against minors were recorded in 2023 alone, representing a 68% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, nearly 14,000 incidents occurred within the family environment. The most common violations include rape, physical and sexual abuse, psychological violence and exploitation. These experiences leave deep wounds that harm children’s dignity and have long-lasting effects on their emotional and psychological well-being, depriving them of the right to a safe and peaceful childhood.

In this challenging context, we continue to work closely with Casa Esperança and the Archdiocesan Psychological Support Service for Families (SAPFAM). Through an integrated approach, the center provides psychological support, legal assistance, healthcare guidance and safe spaces, supporting children at risk or victims of violence.

Throughout 2025, monthly meetings and group activities engaged an average of 75 participants, around 70% of whom were girls. This data confirms how girls are particularly exposed to situations of abuse and exploitation. At the same time, we recorded a significant increase in the number of reported cases, with a peak in July, when the number of children taken into care nearly doubled compared to the first months of the year.

We also observed a rise in absences and interruptions in participation, reflecting the daily hardships many families face, including housing instability, insecurity and the need for children to start working at an early age. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen outreach and follow-up strategies to ensure continuity and greater effectiveness of our interventions. To further reinforce the work of psychologists and social workers, we believe it is essential to add a professional educator to the team. This role would support children in developing personal and relational skills, help them stay engaged in their education and work closely with parents to strengthen parenting skills, foster positive family relationships and provide practical tools to cope with everyday challenges.

We firmly believe that only through consistent and long-term support can we break the cycle of violence and offer these children a real opportunity for a better future. Today more than ever, we need your help. With your contribution, we can expand our educational team and ensure protection. We invite you to continue supporting us so that, together, we can build a safer and more dignified future for every child.