Agents trained to ensure dignified care for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The Ministry of the Interior, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), started on February 6, the second edition of training for forces of the Ministry of the Interior in improving care for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. The initiative's main objective is to train the staff of the National Police, the Criminal Investigation Services, and the Penitentiary Services for a more effective service that respects human rights.

The Secretary of State chaired the opening ceremony for the Interior, Arnaldo Manuel Carlos accompanied by the Representative of UNICEF Angola, Antero de Pina, and the Director of the National Children's Institute INAC, Paulo Kalessi. Representatives of different ministerial departments, experts in the legal and social areas, were also present.

The increase in cases of domestic violence and sexual violence in Angola pose urgent challenges in the protection of children and women. However, it is necessary that training actions and continuous training of the staff are carried out frequently so that they can improve the care of victims through an approach focused on protection, respect and psychological and legal support.

Antero de Pina, UNICEF representative in Angola, reaffirmed the common commitment to the protection of the most vulnerable in society, which are women and children. 

"Violence against women and children are not just individual tragedies, but human rights violations and create serious obstacles to national development." 

During his opening speech, the Secretary of State for the Interior, Arnaldo Manuel Carlos, reinforced the importance of training the staff of the Ministry of the Interior to ensure dignified care for victims and effective action against aggressors. 

"One of the biggest challenges in combating domestic violence is to ensure that victims receive adequate support and that perpetrators are properly held accountable. That is why it is essential that our professionals are well prepared."

The training is attended by 150 staff from the Ministry of the Interior and facilitated by national and international experts, including lawyers, members of the Angolan Association of Legal Career Women, prosecutors, and representatives of organizations such as the National Children's Institute (INAC), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UNICEF.

Solange Pereira, president of the Angolan Association of Legal Career Women, and one of the facilitators, highlighted the importance of this training, noting that one of the major problems in police service has been the lack of knowledge about the laws and proper procedures. Often, victims are discredited or sent back home, which can increase the cycle of violence.

“We want to train agents so that they understand the existing legislation, know how to act and ensure that victims are welcomed with respect and professionalism", he concluded.

The initiative is part of an effort to create specialized spaces for victim care in police units. With this, it is intended to provide a more sensitive and effective follow-up to women and children in vulnerable situations.

Throughout the training, officers will have access to guidance materials on victim care, police action protocols, and specific legislation on domestic and gender violence. It is hoped that, with this reinforcement of training, the personnel will be better prepared to respond to cases of violence more quickly and assertively.