Margarita Ortiz-Tallo and her project against child abuse
Sexual abuse in childhood , although at a social level it is a little visible issue, it is a problem that exists. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one of 4 women and one of every 7 men admits having suffered it. The alarming thing is that only 3 out of 10 affected report these facts.
Unfortunately, there are some myths and erroneous beliefs that cause a distortion in the vision of this phenomenon, and rejecting them is important to face the problem adjusting to their real forms.
- Related article: "7 myths about child sexual abuse (pedophilia)"
Interview with Margarita Ortiz-Tallo
Some professionals of psychology take time sensitized and committed to the prevention of child abuse in childhood , as well as with the psychological treatment of the victims, because the effects on the mental health of these have not only a short-term effect, but they can accompany them during the rest of their lives.
The prevalence in Spain of child sexual abuse is 19% in women, and 15.5% of men, and many and many affected never reveal the abuse, so they suffer this traumatic event in secret.
Today we speak with Margarita Ortiz-Tallo, Professor of the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Malaga (Spain) to tell us about the project Corazonada focused on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Children
What has led you to work on this issue?
Our research team has a long history in issues related to abuse and sexual abuse. We have publications in international scientific journals with people convicted and in prison for pedophilia and also with people punished for assaults on the couple. We had been considering the importance of broadening our view and carrying out psychological interventions that would lead to prevention of these issues.
We begin with evaluations and publications about adolescents and sexism. In this scenario, we were very interested in carrying out a preventive program of sexual abuse in childhood. It seemed to us of great interest to provide resources to minors, parents and teachers in the face of this terrible type of psychological, physical and sexual abuse that is, in a high proportion, hidden in society.
What does the Corazonada project consist of?
The project stands out for including the adaptation of the play "Corazonada" in Spain. The work was designed by Carolina López Alvarado, director of the CENDES Foundation in Mexico. Try to reach the minors in an experiential way through an artistic language with music, dance and imagination. This way, resources are given to minors and educators, transmitting information in a way that reaches intuition, reason and heart.
The project also includes the design by our team of workshops for minors, parents and teachers through active and participatory methodologies. And finally the evaluation of the program and its social impact.
How did the project come about?
By our profession we are highly sensitized and very committed to contribute something to society that helps in the prevention of this tremendous problem. Our experience has also led us to believe that all information that is transmitted in an active, experiential and participative way gets the message in a deeper way.
During a stay at the Autonomous University of Mexico we got to know the Corazonada project. This began in Mexico in 2015. Country with a high rate of sexual abuse in childhood. Later we established agreements with the author to adapt a part of the Project in Spain.
Recently, as a research group of the University of Malaga, the project was selected to achieve Collective Financing through the Crowdfunding GOTEO platform.
What repercussion do you think this project can have in Spain?
We believe that it is a project of great social interest and our desire is that it may have an important impact on the initial detection and prevention of this terrible abuse. To undertake projects of this type and to disseminate them we are convinced that it already helps to sensitize society to the issue.
When is the play "Corazonada" released?
The day of the premiere of the Spanish adaptation of "Corazonada" is Monday, November 5 at the Edgar Neville Auditorium of the Diputación de Málaga, through invitations. After that day, the play will also take place on November 12 and Tuesday 27 of the same month, although only tickets are available for this last date.
Prevention of child abuse
Undoubtedly, the work of psychologists and educators is key to prevent and detect this phenomenon in time, which can appear in multiple environments.In fact, the data show that 30% of those affected were victims of a family member, 60% of an acquaintance and in only 10% of cases, the victim and the attacker had no link.
If you want to know more about the prevention of child abuse, you may want to read this article: "How to prevent child sexual abuse".
