The Yves de Roussan Defense Center for Children and Adolescents/CEDECA/BA is a non-governmental organization whose mission is to oppose all forms and displays of violence against children and adolescents and, above all, against life and physical and psychological integrity.

Using their Defense and Promotion of Children and Adolescents’ Rights Program, CEDECA/BA develops secure mechanisms for legal-social protection, prevention and assistance directly to children, adolescents and their families who are at risk of sexual violence and murder.

CEDECA/BA is formed of an Assembly of representatives from social organizations from which an Administration Council is taken, composed of nine members. A directorship of three members is elected from this Council who serve for a period of two years.

In Bahia and Brazil

• Is the Brazilian representative of ECPAT, the main international organization for the end to sexual exploitation of children and adolescents;
• Is a member of the World Organization Against Torture;
• Forms part of the coordination for the National and State Committees to Oppose Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents;
• Coordinates technical advisory activities for the Integrated and Referential Activities Program to Oppose Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents (PAIR), developed by the Federal Government and in partnership with POMMAR/USAID, in seven Brazilian local authorities;
• Responsible for the supervision, monitoring and evaluation of the Sentinela Program in Bahia, together with the State Government since 2001;
• Creator of a proposal to create a National Day to Combat Abuse and Sexual Exploitation of children and adolescents on 18th May.

Top in Marketing
The institution won the position of Top in Marketing, from ADVB in 2000, in the social project category for their publication “Sexual Violence: Interrupted Childhood”. Using marketing language, this case study shows the work developed by the Center to oppose abuse and sexual exploitation.