Characterizing child sexual abuse and child victims' participation in the Portuguese criminal justice system

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread global problem with societal, legal, and scientific implications. In Portugal, despite increasing reporting rates, empirical knowledge about CSA characteristics and children's involvement in criminal proceedings remains limited.

This study aimed to characterize CSA cases in Portugal, describe children's involvement in the criminal justice system, and examine predictors of abuse patterns and legal outcomes.

The sample comprised 319 criminal case files related to CSA, filed between 2014 and 2022, drawn from five courts across Portugal.

A quantitative retrospective design was used. Data were extracted from case files and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to examine predictors of abuse characteristics and legal outcomes.

CSA cases were predominantly characterized by female victims and male perpetrators known to the child. Intrafamilial cases were more likely to involve younger victims, contact forms, repeated episodes, and co-occurring victimization. Victim age and the victim-perpetrator relationship emerged as key predictors of abuse patterns. Children were involved in multiple procedural acts (M = 3.10). Regarding legal outcomes, procedural factors, particularly the absence of Statements for Future Use, were associated with a lower likelihood of conviction. Overall, delays in procedures and repeated testimonies highlight potential risks of secondary victimization.

Findings highlight the complexity of CSA cases in Portugal and the central role of child testimony in legal outcomes. Strengthening trauma-informed, child-sensitive justice practices, ensuring timely evidence collection, and reducing procedural delays may improve justice responses and minimize revictimization.