The former president of the Dominican College of Psychologists (Codopsi) also noted that, although more attention is paid to physical violence because sexual violence involves a judicial process “and we don’t always conclude the case, but rather we raise awareness,” the latter is still significant, she asserted.

Quoted by Listin Diario, the psychologist noted that the country has Law 136-03, which establishes the Code for the Protection and Fundamental Rights of Children and Adolescents, although she acknowledged that its implementation remains a challenge.

In the context of World Mental Health Day, commemorated on October 10, Arias cited reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicating that one in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 19 has some mental health condition, and that half of these disorders begin to manifest themselves by the age of 14.

She also warned that the highest incidence of suicide occurs between the ages of 15 and 29, and that suicide is the leading cause of death in this age group.

According to data from the National Health Service (SNS), cited by the specialist, approximately 240,000 people received mental health care in the Dominican Republic last year.

Although the statistics are not broken down, she stated that “many of these consultations correspond to children and adolescents.”

She emphasized the need to create safe environments in homes and communities, which involves setting limits and maintaining parental oversight.

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