The Regional Director for Social Solidarity raised the awareness of society for the importance of public denunciation of domestic violence offences, stressing that "nothing justifies physical abuse," which considered a "crime under Portuguese law."

Natércia Gaspar presented on Thursday a paper on “O impacto da Violência Doméstica na Criança: Estretágias de Intervenção" (The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children: Strategic Intervention) at the seminar held under the theme “O Presente das Crianças…o Futuro da Sociedade” (The Present of Children ... the Future of Society) in Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island.

While presenting her paper, the Regional Director stressed, for example, the "profound impact" of exposure to domestic violence on children's lives and their "expectations for the future."

Natércia Gaspar defended the "need" of regarding children exposed to violence as "victims with specific needs that require a specific and specialised intervention."

The Regional Director also stressed the importance of raising the awareness of society and promoting the fight against domestic violence by carrying out joint efforts that involve the entire community.

Natércia Gaspar recalled that "domestic violence is a priority issue in the Azores," stressing the creation of the 1st Regional Plan to Prevent and Combat Domestic Violence, which was in force between 2010 and 2012.

"One of the concerns of this plan focused on the children and youngsters who have experienced situations of violence that have made them victims," concluded the Regional Director.