Brazilian and Portuguese guidelines for protecting vulnerable children against violence in the COVID-19 pandemic

• Autor(a) principal: Santos, Márcia Noélia Pestana dos
• Data de Publicação: 2021
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: https://doi.org/info:doi:https://doi.org/10.1590/2177-9465-EAN-2021-0045
• topic: child; Violência; covid-19; Vulnerabilidade

Objective: To identify and analyze the protection measures for children/adolescent vulnerable to violence during the COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil and Portugal. Method: This documentary research of government guidelines issued between March and September 2020 was carried out. The hermeneutic analysis was based on the principles of health vulnerability of children/ adolescents. Results: Articulated support actions and partnerships were recommended at the national, local, and interinstitutional levels. A multi-professional intersectoral action was the most recommended measure to protect those children/adolescents more vulnerable to intrafamily violence. Noteworthy are the stimulus warning, investigation, intervention, and monitoring notified cases. In addition, countries' efforts were invested in expanding the call center channels and encouraging notification violence by society members and social networks. However, few cases were notified justified by advertising campaigns in Portugal that encouraged reporting to the responsible childhood agencies. The protection of family providers' income and work during social isolation and suspension of face-to-face classes were intended to protect them from food safety and contagious disease. Conclusion: Official documents determined actions for institutions, health professionals, family members, and society to face intrafamily violence. Regarding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the family nucleus, the State must continue protecting children's and adolescents' rights to life and dignity.