The annual Well-being Week, organized by Nova School of Business & Economics (Nova SBE) at its Carcavelos campus, will this year encourage a broad reflection on one of the most pressing issues affecting young people in Portugal: dating violence.
Approximately 1,700 reports of domestic violence registered with law enforcement authorities in Portugal specifically refer to dating violence. Studies indicate that 54% of Portuguese students have experienced at least one episode of dating violence. In comparison, nearly 35% admit to having perpetrated such behavior (Dating Violence in Portugal: How Can It Be Handled in Secondary Schools and Universities?, University of Maia, September 2024).
A dedicated session on this issue is scheduled for February 12 at 5:00 PM, led by Carolina Champalimaud, Well-being Team Leader at Life at Nova. The session will feature insights from Henrique Prata Ribeiro, Professor and Psychiatrist at Partners in Neuroscience (PIN), who will address the mental health impacts of dating violence on victims. The session aims to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, recognize warning signs of abuse, and learn about available support resources.
As in previous editions, this initiative seeks to raise awareness among students about the importance of well-being in its various dimensions—psychological, personal, and academic—as a foundation for a sustainable academic journey. “By approaching well-being holistically—integrating academic, social, health, and professional aspects—we foster student success and contribute to the overall well-being of our entire community,” explains Sofia Cília, Director of Life at Nova SBE, the department responsible for student integration, academic guidance, and well-being. She adds, “By addressing topics like dating violence openly and without stigma, we highlight that sometimes the most disruptive factor to our well-being can come from where we least expect it—our romantic relationships.”
Well-being Week 2025
In 2025, Nova SBE’s Well-being Week will take place from February 11 to 13, featuring a range of workshops, lectures, and leisure activities at the Carcavelos campus. This initiative is part of the mental health promotion program for higher education, supported by the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES).
The event will begin on February 11 at 4:30 PM with the workshop Storytelling and Emotions: A Tool for Analyzing and Processing Our Feelings, which will explore storytelling to understand and process emotions.
On February 12 at 11:00 AM, psychologist Monika Owczarek will lead the Discover What Makes You Shine: Exploring Your Strengths workshop. Through reflection and interactive exercises, students will identify their key strengths and learn how to apply them effectively in their studies, personal lives, and future challenges. The afternoon will be dedicated to the Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention session.
The final day, February 13, will begin at 11:00 AM with a workshop on Sustainable High Performance led by psychologist Pedro Almeida. This session will emphasize sports' role in university life and the corporate world. The event will conclude at 3:30 PM with an Offline Session, encouraging participants to disconnect from digital distractions and engage in various recreational activities to foster social connections.
Launched in 2019, Well-being Week is an annual Nova SBE initiative dedicated to promoting well-being across multiple dimensions. It is part of the school’s student support program, which spans academic success, social integration, health, career development, and market readiness. Open to the general public, the event allows all participants to engage in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Participation in Nova SBE’s Well-being Week is free of charge but requires prior registration. Full agenda available here.