Port of Paranaguá supports the fight against child exploitation

Partnership with Childhood Brasil collects data from truck drivers to strengthen response efforts in port areas
Psychologists from the organization Childhood Brasil, a leading organization in combating child and adolescent sexual abuse and exploitation, interviewed truck drivers at the Port of Paranaguá. The data collected through the questionnaires will be used to guide the next five years of the Na Mão Certa program.
Portos do Paraná welcomed the Childhood Brasil team at the Sorting Yard last Sunday (20). The interviews, also conducted at other companies, were concluded on Tuesday (22). The survey will continue to be applied in other regions of the country in the coming months.
"Portos do Paraná is contributing to research and other initiatives aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. We believe that truck drivers can be key allies in these initiatives by promoting campaigns and reporting risky situations," said Luiz Fernando Garcia, CEO of the public company.
The study is being conducted by researchers at the University of Aracaju, aiming to update the profile of Brazilian truck drivers. The information obtained will be used as a basis for the production of educational materials, booklets, and training. This year's study aims to interview 1,000 drivers in different regions of the country.
"The Port Authority's participation in the project was a milestone for us, because it attracts other interested companies and allows us to enter a territory that we consider vulnerable: the Brazilian port areas," highlighted Élder Cerqueira Santos, research coordinator and consultant at Childhood Brasil for 20 years.
Data evolution
The first edition of the survey revealed that 36% of drivers interviewed reported having had paid sex with children and adolescents. In subsequent editions, there was a gradual decline. In the latest survey, conducted after the pandemic, this rate dropped to 12%.
According to researchers, the reduction is related to social changes and actions promoted by companies in their logistics chains.
"A company operating here in the Port of Paranaguá, for example, adopted strategies to reduce driver downtime, such as speeding up loading and unloading processes. There was also a change in hiring methods, moving from outsourcing to CLT, which reduced turnover on the routes," explained Élder.
The program works on two fronts: data collection and awareness. The idea is for drivers to become agents of protection.
How the search works
The technique used is called "snowballing," in which researchers approach one driver at a time in an informal, respectful, and confidential manner. The questions range from everyday issues to more sensitive topics.
"Our role is to ensure participants feel confident enough to answer honestly. Therefore, we clearly explain the purpose and importance of the research," explained researcher Hênio Rodrigues.
After analyzing the data, Childhood Brasil releases a public report with the results. Information extracted from previous surveys is already being used by agencies such as the Federal Highway Police and the Ministry of Transportation, helping to define public policies and improvements for the category.
Coalition in Paranaguá
In addition to being a signatory to the Business Pact against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, which is part of the Na Mão Certa program, Portos do Paraná has also joined the Paranaguá Coalition. The initiative, in partnership with the City Hall, brings together more than 15 companies committed to combating this type of violence.
Check out the companies and entities participating in the Coalition:
Budel Transportes LTDA Cargill Agricultural SA Cattalini Maritime Terminals S/A Coopercarga SA EPR Litoral Pioneiro S/A Klabin SA Liquiexpress Road Transport LTDA Louis Dreyfus Company Brasil SA Maersk Logistics and Services Brasil LTDA Multilog SA Rocha Port Terminals and Logistics SA Direction Sest Senat – Paranaguá Unit Tegma Logistics Management Inc.
Yara Brasil Fertilizantes S/A
National scenario
In 2023, Brazil recorded 115,384 cases of physical, psychological, sexual violence, or neglect against children and adolescents up to 19 years old—the equivalent of 13 victims per hour. The data is included in the 2025 Violence Atlas, released this month by the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) and the Brazilian Public Security Forum.
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