The Plenary of the Cabildo of Lanzarote approved this Tuesday the launch of an action plan to prevent crimes against sexual freedom on the island and raise awareness among citizens about this social scourge. The motion, which was presented by Daisy Villalba, from Nueva Canarias, was supported by the Government group.
In this way, and coinciding with the summer festivities, the Island Council will promote a campaign to prevent sexual violence and collaborate with the City Councils, State Security Forces and Corps, Civil Protection and social groups to increase security in popular events and promote safer spaces and environments. Likewise, the first Corporation will develop an action protocol, together with NGOs, so that victims are properly cared for from the first moment.
The Minister of Social Welfare and Inclusion, Marci Acuña, stated during the plenary session that "we fully agree on the motivation of this initiative, which is precisely in line with the work we have already undertaken from the Cabildo." "Our intention," added Acuña, "is to work together to eradicate, once and for all, sexual crimes and child and youth prostitution, whose figures, unfortunately, continue to rise in Spain and the Canary Islands."
Protection for victims
This action plan will also strengthen security and reporting points at popular festivals and mass events to assist victims. In addition, it is extremely important that citizens know what steps to take if they witness or become aware of a sexual assault.
In this regard, the councilor advances that "the Island Council has joined the specialized training project promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands to train professionals in the detection and action in cases of sexual violence in childhood and adolescence." The program, called 'Detection and comprehensive action against sexual violence against children and adolescents in contexts of high vulnerability', will be developed on June 7 and seeks to provide essential tools to technical personnel and educators who work with young people.
