34% of girls and 23% of boys in Bolivia were sexually assaulted before turning 18.
43.9% of adolescent girls between 15 and 19 years of age in Bolivia were victims of physical violence, 11.1% were victims of sexual violence from their partner, and 48.7% were victims of emotional aggression.
The Arco Iris Foundation provides comprehensive support to adolescents who have become mothers through “Casa Refugio”. These adolescents have endured sexual violence, which has caused irreversible emotional and physical trauma. At “Casa Refugio”, they receive the necessary support for their personal development, maternal transit, security, and care. Our goal is to restore their rights and offer a dignified life free of violence.
To achieve this, we apply a model of care and intervention that focuses on individual mental health strengthening, creating positive affective bonds between mothers and their children. Our comprehensive life-skills training program aims to promote motherhood, autonomy, and independence. Through this, we equip them with the necessary tools to face their problems for personal growth.
Each child represents a new beginning and a personal love story. Despite the turmoil they have faced, they become “saviors” who symbolize the meaning of life: love conquers all.
“What the caterpillar calls the end, the rest of the world calls a butterfly.”
Lao Tzu
Teenage pregnancy is a complex social issue to approach and understand due to the physical, psychological, and social impact it has on each of the women.
