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Sexual violence against children and vulnerability
Luciana C Trindade1, Silvana M G M Linhares2, Jorge Vanrell3
1PhD candidate, Bioethics, University of Porto, Portugal.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|June 12, 2014
Summary
Most child sexual abuse victims treated in 2009 were female, aged 5-13. Perpetrators were often family friends, stepfathers, or fathers, highlighting the need for improved child protection policies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding the demographic and epidemiological profile of victims is crucial for effective intervention.
- Research on victim-perpetrator relationships in child sexual abuse cases is vital for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of child and adolescent victims of sexual violence.
- To examine the relationship between victims and perpetrators in sexual abuse cases.
- To contribute data for improving public policies against child sexual abuse.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzing sex abuse reports from 2009.
- Inclusion criteria: victims under 18 years old treated in a Unit of Forensic Medicine.
- Data collected included victim demographics, violence details, and aggressor-victim relationship.
Main Results:
- In 2009, 379 victims under 18 were assisted; 81.2% were female.
- The most affected age groups were 10-13 years (36.7%) and 5-9 years (30.7%).
- Family or friendship ties were present in 86.3% of cases, with acquaintances/friends (42.3%) and stepfathers (16.6%) most frequently accused.
Conclusions:
- Findings align with national studies on child sexual abuse.
- This research addresses a gap in state-level data on child sexual abuse.
- The results can inform and enhance public policies aimed at preventing child sexual abuse.