PORCOSPINI/HEDGEHOGS: EMPOWERING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

Porcospini/Hedgehogs is a programme designed to bring children families and schools together against child abuse and neglect. The programme meets with children ages 5-13 with sessions focusing on self-esteem, knowing our bodies, self-determination, and protective strategies. More than 50,000 children have been involved in the programme since its inception 15 years ago.

The programme aims to equip children with proper tools in order to read the surrounding world, making them aware of their body and their emotions, teaching them how to recognise and feel them. Make children feel at ease whenever they voice their questions and investigate their growth. Develop an intervention of primary prevention, foster the wellness of the community, promote correct, complete and non-alarmist information, and train parents. Help children develop critical abilities in order to recognise and react against potential risky situations, so as to avoid the exposures to a risk choosing the most appropriate way.

This talk will delve deeper into Porcospini, how it was established, operates, successes and challenges.