Centre Arrupe-Madagascar (CA-MDG)— On 20 August 2026, the Centre Arrupe Madagascar, through its programme dubbed Programme Santé et Famille (PSF) (Health and Family Programme), organised a training session for members of the Iray Aina movement on preventing violence and protecting children and vulnerable persons. The objective was to strengthen participants’ knowledge and capacity to contribute more effectively to the protection of people exposed to different forms of violence and abuse.

Initially, the PSF focused on combating HIV/AIDS, with the aim of reducing and ultimately eradicating the scourge through prevention and education among the general population, particularly young people and those who are excluded from society or face discrimination. Since 2019, the Programme has increasingly expanded its focus to combating violence against girls and women (LVFF), while continuing to promote values and approaches that uphold the protection, dignity and well-being of individuals and families. This evolving mission resonates strongly with AJAN’s commitment to the third Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAP 3): Accompanying Young People in the Creation of a Hope-Filled Future, by empowering young people, especially girls and young women, to recognise their dignity, protect themselves and others from violence and abuse, and become active agents in building safer and more inclusive families and communities.

The training began with a concerning reflection on the situation of children and vulnerable persons in society. Participants were invited to examine the different realities of violence, both in society and within the Church. Cases of violence and sexual abuse that have generated strong reactions within the Church since 1985 were discussed, together with the phenomena of concealment and silence that can surround certain situations. The participants were reminded that protecting victims is a collective responsibility: every person, created in the image of God, deserves the same respect and dignity. They were also introduced to the various steps taken by the Church in the area of safeguarding, including the 2011 letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to episcopal conferences around the world, the establishment in 2014 of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors under Pope Francis, and the creation in 2018 of CPO teams in Jesuit formation houses and apostolic sectors

The training explored the different forms of violence—physical, sexual, psychological and economic—using practical examples such as physical assault, neglect, rape, sexual abuse, threats and intimidation. Statistical data helped to deepen the discussions: more than one-third of women report having experienced at least one form of gender-based violence, while 35% report having experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Findings from research conducted in Fénérive-Est in 2024 were also presented, identifying 338 victims of violence, of whom 73% were women and 62% were children and young people under the age of 18. Adolescent girls were identified as being particularly exposed to sexual violence.

Participants also examined factors that can contribute to violence, including poverty, lack of knowledge, drug use, abuse of power and inadequate awareness-raising. The influence of certain cultural understandings associated with fihavanana was also discussed. Fear of damaging relationships or bringing shame upon a family can sometimes lead people to remain silent about situations of abuse, at the expense of justice for victims. The training further provided an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of sex, gender, equality and equity, and on how socially assigned roles for women and men can influence relationships and responsibilities.

The central message of the training was clear: do not remain silent in the face of violence. Protecting a victim means avoiding victim-blaming, helping them access appropriate care and justice, and reporting situations of abuse when they are identified. Violence should never be treated as merely a private or family matter when it violates the dignity and rights of individuals.

By, Communications Team,

Centre Arrupe-Madagascar.