Madeira Honors International Day Against Violence Toward Women

Raising Awareness and Encouraging Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence

On November 26, 2024, the Madeira Legislative Assembly continued its observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which was officially marked on November 25. The day featured a series of events aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and encouraging deeper reflection on this ongoing issue.

Discussion Highlights the Importance of Prevention

The first event of the day was a conversation organized in partnership with the Associação Presença Feminina. Titled "À Conversa Com…" (A Conversation With…), the discussion brought together authors António Barroso Cruz and Teresa Faria, as well as Silvana Freitas, a psychologist with the association. The event focused on the complexities of violence against women, with an emphasis on how society can better address and prevent such violence.

Words, like silence, can be devastating. Rejection, discrimination, humiliation, and indifference are forms of violence that we all, women and men, must challenge every day.

José Manuel Rodrigues

Legislative Leaders Speak Out Against Violence

José Manuel Rodrigues, President of the Madeira Legislative Assembly, opened the event by quoting troubling statistics about violence against women. "One in three women will experience some form of violence during their lifetime," Rodrigues said, citing remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He stressed that both physical and psychological abuse have deep, lasting impacts. Rodrigues expressed hope that the series of events would help break the silence surrounding violence and encourage people to speak out and listen more attentively to victims.

Associação Presença Feminina's Efforts in Prevention and Support

Helena Pestana, President of the Associação Presença Feminina (APF), addressed the severity of violence against women, noting that it often leads to tragic outcomes such as homicides and femicides. The APF is a key partner in the III Regional Plan Against Domestic Violence 2021-2025 and has been actively involved in prevention efforts. The association works with young people on issues such as dating violence and provides family education on the subject.

Source: Diário de Notícias da Madeira