The Instituto Cabo-Verdiano da Criança e do Adolescente (ICCA) has reported a total of 72 cases of sexual violence against children and adolescents in the first half of 2026. According to the institute, 252 situations of neglect were also recorded, including 100 cases of physical and psychological abuse. The ICCA also reported 84 family conflicts, 33 cases of children running away from home, and 29 situations related to child disputes.
The majority of the victims of sexual violence were girls, with 69 cases reported, while three cases involved boys. In terms of age, two children between zero and three years old, six between four and six years old, 22 between seven and 12 years old, and 42 adolescents between 13 and 17 years old were affected. The ICCA also reported that it provided emergency shelter to an average of 96 children per month.
The ICCA operates 20 day centers that provided shelter to an average of 956 children per month during the first half of 2026. The centers with the highest number of children were located in Praia, with 348 children, followed by São Vicente, with 215, and Boa Vista, with 106. Other regions, including Santiago Norte, Fogo, Santo Antão, Maio, Sal, and São Nicolau, also had day centers that provided shelter to children.
In response to the cases, the ICCA made a total of 1,445 referrals to different services and institutions. The majority of these referrals, 518 cases, were resolved internally, while 296 were referred to the Procuradoria. Other referrals included 131 family reintegrations, 76 pending cases, 73 referrals to the Polícia Nacional, and 57 referrals for psychological support.
The ICCA also provided support in areas such as food, education, health, and psychological support, with a total of 181 cases reported. Additionally, the institute received 153 requests for reports, 113 cases related to food pensions, 94 cases related to parental regulation, and 57 psychological accompaniments.
The ICCA also handled cases related to birth registration, children with special educational needs, and children found begging. A total of 18 cases of birth registration, 12 cases of children with special educational needs, and five cases of children found begging were reported. The institute also handled cases of profiling, tutelage, child labor, and homeless children.
The ICCA's efforts to address the issue of violence against children and adolescents in Cabo Verde are ongoing. The institute's data highlights the need for continued support and action to prevent and respond to cases of violence and neglect. The ICCA's work includes providing emergency shelter, counseling, and support to children and families affected by violence and neglect.
Key points
- 72 cases of sexual violence against children and adolescents were reported in the first half of 2026.
- The ICCA provided emergency shelter to an average of 96 children per month.
- The institute made a total of 1,445 referrals to different services and institutions in response to cases of violence and neglect.
