Paulina Quintao – The Secretary of State for the Promotion of Equality (SEPI), Idelta Maria Rodrigues said SEPI will this year hold a campaign toraise awareness and open dialogue with teachers and students in 13 districts about laws opposing domestic violence law as well as how to deal with countries which have ratified such laws.

She said they have made changes to their awareness campaigns after situations arosein which teachers have done harm to their students, with many students committing suicide as a result of their problems.

"We will hold an open dialogue this year, raising awareness for them touse their consciences to prevent sexual violation in schools," SE Rodrigues said.

Besides this, she said they will continue raising awareness and holding dialogue with the community and local leaders including the community police, teaching them about the law against domestic violence as well as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which deals with women's role in peace negotiations and post-conflict reconstruction.

She said while awareness-raising programs went on, it was everyone's responsibility to combat and reduce the domestic violence rate.

MP Ilda Maria da Conceicao said violence continued to occur even if there was zero tolerance policy in schools. She said the worst type of violation and sexual abuse was that which was committed by teachers.

Member of Commission F (for health, education, culture, veteran and gender equality affairs) MP da Conceicao said opening a dialogue should involve relevant institutions, such as civil society, the Police Unit for Vulnerable People and the judicial sector and teachers.

"There is still violence occurring in schools so I think this program is good for us to reduce violence in our nation because it still happens, even though there's zero tolerance," she said.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/gender/12318-sepi-to-raise-awareness-of-domestic-violence-laws