Melânia Gomes Shares Her Heart-Wrenching Story of Childhood Abuse and Calls for Action

Melânia Gomes: A Voice Against Child Abuse

On the occasion of European Day for the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, Melânia Gomes, a well-known actress, shared her personal story of childhood abuse during an interview on Vozes ao Minuto. This day, established by the Council of Europe, aims to encourage all 47 member states, including Portugal, to protect children and prevent them from becoming victims of such crimes.

In her powerful testimony, Melânia recounted her experiences of sexual abuse as a child, first publicly revealing her story in March 2023. Following her revelation, she joined the Justice Initiative and aligned herself with the cause of Guido Fluri. Recently, on November 15, the National Commission for the Promotion of Rights and Protection of Children and Youth presented a book titled 'Sexual Abuse: Protecting Children is Everyone's Responsibility’, which includes contributions from specialists and testimonies from abuse survivors, including Melânia's own.

A Call to Action

Melânia expressed that the overwhelming response she received after sharing her story was liberating for many victims, encouraging them to speak out. She emphasized the need to name the perpetrators correctly, stating, "There are no people attracted to children; there are pedophiles!" She believes it is crucial to raise awareness about child trafficking and the organized crime behind it, which generates billions annually.

In her interview, Melânia highlighted the importance of preventive education for children, teaching them about boundaries, respect, and recognizing inappropriate behavior. She noted that many signs of abuse can be subtle, such as changes in behavior or physical symptoms like stomach aches.

The Need for Legal Reform

Melânia criticized the current justice system, advocating for a change that would allow cases of child sexual abuse to never prescribe, ensuring that victims can seek justice at any time. She pointed out that the state should facilitate the reporting process for victims, ensuring they are treated with sensitivity and respect, rather than subjected to traumatic questioning.

Protecting Children in the Digital Age

Discussing the role of technology, Melânia urged for stricter regulations on online platforms to protect children from online sexual abuse. She stressed that parents must also take responsibility for safeguarding their children, including being careful about what they share on social media.

In conclusion, Melânia Gomes passionately advocates for the rights of children, calling for societal and legislative changes to ensure their protection from abuse. The upcoming 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20 serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and action against child exploitation.