Government of Pará launches 'Don't Stay Silent' Protocol for the protection of women in entertainment venues
Initiative coordinated by the Secretary of Women regulates state law and establishes guidelines for bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and similar establishments throughout the State
The Government of Pará launched on this Monday (23), at the Government Palace in Belém, the "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol – a strategic initiative to combat violence against women in entertainment environments, such as bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and similar establishments throughout the State.
The measure regulates State Law No. 9.238/2021 and complements Decree No. 3.643/2024, establishing very objective procedures for these spaces to adopt concrete actions for prevention, reception, and protection of women who feel at risk.
Good information - At the launch of the Protocol, Vice Governor Hana Ghassan emphasized the importance of disseminating life-saving information. "Information is very important nowadays, and we have to spread it. The State of Pará does not accept violence against women. We have many protection actions, such as the Women's Police Station (Deam), and we can use technology to our advantage. It is essential to work on good information in our daily lives," said Hana Ghassan.
According to the Vice Governor, the "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol also addresses a common gap in emergency situations. "We know that often people want to help but don’t know how to do it. From now on, both employees and establishments will know how to act in necessary cases. The Protocol creates exactly that: what to do, how to do it, and how to communicate," she added.
Guidelines - The "Don't Stay Silent" Protocol has as its main objective to promote safer and more welcoming environments for women, ensuring rights, dignity, and qualified responses in risk situations. The main guidelines involve:
• Prevention of violence against women in leisure and entertainment environments;
• Immediate support and protection for victims, and
• Active participation of establishments in promoting safety.
Planned actions
• Training of employees to identify and act in risk situations;
• Creation of internal protocols for victim assistance;
• Clear and visible dissemination of the Protocol in commercial spaces, and
• Direct and effective support for women in vulnerable situations.
How to join - According to the Secretary of State for Women, Paula Gomes, adherence to the Protocol is voluntary but strategic for creating a culture of peace and respect throughout the State. "This is an initiative that generates protection, reception, and listening for women in situations of violence. It is a significant advance, as it allows us to bring this care to establishments in Pará, promoting freedom and safety so that women do not have to choose between having fun and being protected," emphasized the head of Semu.
Interested establishments must register on the website semu.pa.gov.br/naosecale, being directed to the platform of the State Public Governance School (EGPA), where online training courses are already available.
Integrated public safety - The action of the State Secretariat for Public Safety and Social Defense (Segup) will be fundamental to the success of the Protocol throughout the State. According to the head of the Secretariat, Ualame Machado, the integration between public agents and establishments will allow for a more efficient and standardized response.
"Public safety, upon receiving a call through the Protocol, will have better conditions to act and protect women, as well as hold aggressors accountable. The service chain will be followed, which will ensure more agility and effectiveness in actions," said the Secretary.
Ualame Machado also highlighted that the measure will be applied uniformly across all regions of Pará. "The service offered in Belém needs to be the same in Altamira, Itaituba, Santarém, or Marabá. The participation of everyone is essential so that we can ensure comprehensive protection for women," he concluded.
