A manual for professionals working with children that gives advice on how to act in cases of sexual abuse has been published by the children and youngsters’ protection institution Casa Pia in Lisbon.
At the book presentation ceremony on July 14, the Secretary of State for Rehabilitation, Idália Moniz, admitted there was a need to create specialised teams in the social security system to deal with child abuse.
“The idea is that these teams act with the victim’s family to prevent sexual abuse,” said Idália Moniz.
The manual also suggests the creation of a national training plan for all staff who work with children and how to deal with cases of child abuse.
Joaquina Madeira, president of Casa Pia, said: “This manual is an important tool for the future and we hope that problems that have occurred in the past won’t happen again.”
Casa Pia has been the centre of a child sexual abuse scandal involving a number of children and employees at the institution since 2002, with accusations also linking some politicians, diplomats and media celebrities.
