Meduca Detects Violence, Self-Harm, and Sexual Assault, Among Elementary School Students

Situations of domestic violence, possible aggressions, emotional effects, self-harm behaviors and alleged cases of sexual assault are among the main findings identified by counselors from the Ministry of Education (Meduca) during the support they provide in primary schools throughout the country. 

New Findings from the Ministry of Education

According to the institution, these situations of vulnerability are related to the family, social and school environment of some students and represent risk factors that can affect their emotional, physical, social and academic well-being.  The cases detected have allowed the activation of support and guidance mechanisms to provide a timely response and the required support in each situation.  One of the most significant changes has been the incorporation, for the first time in the history of the Ministry of Education, of counselors in primary schools, a measure that has strengthened the early detection of problems affecting children.  According to the Ministry of Education, this expansion has allowed for important preliminary results at this educational level and facilitated interventions before situations worsen.  At the middle and high school levels, authorities recognize that the situation is even more complex due to the diverse circumstances faced by adolescents, and therefore consider it necessary to maintain ongoing support and comprehensive support strategies.

Lucy Molinar: “There is an Emotional Emergency”

The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, stated that one of the biggest challenges for the education system is addressing the emotional needs of students.  She explained that guidance teams have identified numerous cases of children living in a “parentless state,” a reality in which, despite living with their family, they lack the necessary emotional and affective support for their development.  Given this scenario, the minister declared an “emotional emergency,” considering that the lack of emotional support is impacting the well-being of thousands of students and requires a greater commitment from parents, families, and society.

A Call to Families

The Ministry of Education called on families, communities, and society in general to strengthen communication with children and adolescents, listen to their needs, and offer safe spaces where they can express their emotions and the situations they face.  The institution reiterated that the protection of children and adolescents is a shared responsibility and emphasized that early detection, timely support, and collaboration between schools, families, and institutions are fundamental to building support networks that contribute to the comprehensive and safe development of students.