Cabo Verde's Minister of Family, Inclusion, Social Development, and Labor, Adélcia Almeida, has emphasized that the country cannot normalize the annual registration of over 600 new cases of sexual violence, with approximately 50% involving children and adolescents. Speaking at the IV High-Level Political Dialogue on Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents in Cabo Verde, Almeida highlighted that despite a decrease in reported cases, it does not necessarily mean a reduction in actual incidents.
According to the Minister, sexual violence against children and adolescents remains one of the most severe violations of children's rights, requiring a firm, coordinated, and effective response from all parties. Almeida acknowledged progress in promoting and protecting children's rights but stressed that the country is still failing in this regard. She urged for measures to ensure more serious responses, including separating the child from the aggressor or their environment.
Adélcia Almeida drew attention to the fact that in Cabo Verde, situations of potential sexual violence often have delayed responses, forcing victims to coexist with potential aggressors or leading to the removal of the child from their routine environment. The Minister also highlighted cultural practices that may normalize relationships with children and adolescents, emphasizing that "a child does not date" and this principle must be clear in institutions and throughout Cabo Verdean society.
The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence against children and adolescents, advocating for strengthened prevention and education involving families, schools, municipalities, community organizations, and the children and adolescents themselves. Announced measures include reinforcing reporting mechanisms, improving coordination between social protection, health, education, police, and justice, and ensuring timely legal assistance to victims and their families.
Adélcia Almeida also announced improvements in data production and integration on the phenomenon, as well as increased accountability, monitoring, and enforcement of assumed commitments. She emphasized the need to move beyond mere discourse and ensure effective implementation.
The Vice-President of the SOS Children's Villages Association highlighted data from the Public Prosecution's Annual Report on the Justice Situation for the 2024-2025 judicial year, which reported 624 cases of sexual crimes nationwide, with 307 related to sexual abuse of children. Although 586 sexual crime cases were resolved, 1,166 cases remained pending, with 400 involving child sexual abuse.
The Vice-President stressed that behind each statistic lies a child, a family, and an interrupted story, often marked by fear, silence, suffering, and long-term consequences. She cautioned that a decrease in reported cases should not be automatically interpreted as a reduction in sexual violence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive analysis and an integrated response to protection.
Key points
- Cabo Verde's government has committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual violence against children and adolescents.
- Over 600 new cases of sexual violence are registered annually in Cabo Verde, with approximately 50% involving children and adolescents.
- More than 1,000 cases of sexual violence against children and adolescents remain pending in Cabo Verde's justice system.
