With the aim of expanding the strategic debate and knowledge about the different types of violence, reporting channels and protection measures, the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) held, last Monday (26), the III Seminar for Strengthening the Network for Assistance to People in Situations of Sexual Violence. The event took place at the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience (IIN-ELS), an ISD unit in Macaíba.
This initiative is part of the Orange May campaign, a national initiative focused on raising awareness and combating sexual violence against children and adolescents, celebrated especially on May 18th.
The theme of this year's discussions was the "Child and Adolescent Statute (Digital ECA)," referring to Law No. 15.211/2025. The document addresses the risks present in the virtual environment and reinforces the need for parents, guardians, and tutors to be aware of the threats that arise or intensify in the digital realm.
“It is a joint effort so that we can, in fact, put the legal instrument of the Digital ECA into practice, guaranteeing the protection of children and adolescents in the face of situations that may compromise their development,” highlighted Alexandra Lima, social work preceptor at ISD and organizer of the Seminar.
The program included lectures and discussion sessions focused on understanding the impacts of the digital environment on child and youth development and the importance of professional training in the face of new forms of violence.
“A childhood marked by play has given way to a childhood of cell phones, bringing several consequences for the development of children and adolescents. In this context, it is essential to understand how sexual exploitation also occurs within the digital universe and how, for qualified listening, it is necessary today to incorporate this perspective into the virtual environment,” highlighted Débora Sampaio, psychologist and specialist in technological addiction.
During the activity, professionals from the areas of health, education, and social assistance were present, discussing the importance of coordinated action between the various services to guarantee humane and efficient care. Throughout the debates, participants exchanged experiences and reflected on the challenges faced, highlighting the need for attention in identifying possible signs of sexual violence in people in vulnerable situations.
“It is essential that professionals are aware of the new ways in which these forms of violence manifest themselves. Initiatives like this promote qualification and provide a more sensitive, careful, and attentive perspective, considering that the demands are changing. Previously, cases were mainly associated with physical violence, but today they also involve the impacts of technological advances,” highlighted Conceição Dantas, social worker and coordinator of the Oikos Foundation in Macaíba.
The seminar reinforced the importance of strengthening the protection network and integrated work between institutions and professionals to guarantee support, prevention, and response to various forms of sexual violence, especially in light of the challenges posed by the digital environment. The event was supported by ChildFund Brazil, an institution that values, protects, and promotes children's rights, contributing to actions that lead to sustainable and far-reaching change.
How to identify and report
Sexual violence is characterized by any action that leads children and adolescents to participate in or witness sexual acts, with or without physical contact, including the exposure or sharing of images and videos through digital means. Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation are among the main forms of manifestation of this type of violence.
Reports of abuse or sexual violence can be made anonymously through the National Helpline for Children and Adolescents (Disque 100) or the Civil Police's National Helpline for Children and Adolescents (Disque-Denúncia) at 181. Public collaboration is essential for the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents.
About ISD
The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) is a Social Organization of the Federal Executive Branch, supervised by the Ministry of Education, with the intervention of the Ministry of Sport. It encompasses the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience and the Anita Garibaldi Center for Education and Research in Health, both located in Macaíba. The ISD's mission is to promote education for life, forming citizens through integrated teaching, research, and outreach activities, as well as contributing to a more just and humane transformation of Brazilian social reality.
