Violence against children and adolescents remains one of the greatest social and public health challenges in Brazil. A survey by Pequeno Príncipe Hospital, a reference in child and adolescent care in cases of violence, reveals an alarming reality: In the last ten years, the number of cases has nearly doubled, rising from 378 in 2014 to 720 in 2024. This trend reflects a nationwide increase.

In 2024, 72% of the cases treated by the Hospital were classified as intrafamily violence — assaults committed by family members, such as parents, stepparents, siblings, or close individuals, like caregivers. Sexual violence was the most frequent type, accounting for 58% of the cases. Most identified perpetrators were male (67%), and girls represented 71% of the victims.

The Pequeno Príncipe Hospital’s data analysis highlights the need for stronger public policies to protect children and adolescents, along with expanding support and reporting networks. Check more details in the main article of the 2025 May edition of the Pequeno Príncipe News.

In this newsletter edition, you will also check the articles below. Click on the links to read the full length texts.

• Pequeno Príncipe reinforces commitment to climate agenda and turns health into an ally of the environment. The Pequeno Príncipe Complex took another strong step toward environmental sustainability by promoting symbolic and concrete actions in Curitiba, state of Paraná, in April, to address the climate emergency — such as an event that featured the participation of renowned climatologist Carlos Nobre.
• Research evaluates the impact of anti-inflammatories on fish health. A study conducted by the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, published in Toxicology Reports, revealed how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — medicines widely used by humans — can affect fish physiology by interfering with essential antioxidant processes.