Violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes no Estado de Alagoas: desafios para atendimento às vítimas em tempos de pandemia

Abstract

Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a public health issue! It is an old and recurring problem, with deep roots in society. With the arrival of the pandemic these were intensified, openly revealing the phenomenon of sexual violence against the most vulnerable: black children, poor people with little or no education. The pandemic scenario has shown the most absurd rights violations committed against this public worldwidViolence and sexual abuse is characterized by a relationship of power and submission in which the abuser performs libidinous acts on the victim in order to satisfy his sexual desires. Children and adolescents are subjected daily to rights violations in the domestic, public and private spheres, becoming victims of crimes of psychological, physical and sexual violence. It is essential to understand that this type of violence is characterized as a crime and must be combated daily through public institutions for the defense of human rights, social policies and society in general; as it is a social responsibility and everyone’s duty. Studies indicate a significant increase in cases of sexual violence against this public during the pandemic period. It is also known that the family (at first) it is the most appropriate and prepared institution to care, in an affectionate and respectful way, for the child, building a relationship of trust in a healthy way; However, in many cases homes have been scenes of terror and hostility, subjecting and forcing children and adolescents to perform sexual acts with their guardians or people close to them. This is a reality that has been dragging on for centuries in which the culture of patriarchy, machismo and rape serve to further reinforce this terrifying and unacceptable practice. It is worth mentioning that social workers have been constantly challenged in the face of this problem and, in pandemic times — due to social isolation, the silence of victims, fear and the lack of public policies that work effectively and continuously —, this scenario has been even more challenging.