Impact of COVID-19 on Child Sexual Violence: Cross-Sectional Study of Forensic Cases in a State Capital of Northeastern Brazil
Objective: To investigate the potential impact of the pandemic on the number of sexological forensic examinations among children and adolescents in a state capital of Northeastern Brazil, as well as to outline the profile of victims and perpetrators. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Book |
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Association of Support to Oral Health Research (APESB),
2024-10-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Summary: | Objective: To investigate the potential impact of the pandemic on the number of sexological forensic examinations among children and adolescents in a state capital of Northeastern Brazil, as well as to outline the profile of victims and perpetrators. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of medical-legal/forensic dental examinations conducted from March 2019 to March 2023, focusing on cases of sexual intercourse/sexual assault suffered by children and adolescents examined in the municipality of João Pessoa, Brazil. Results: Of the 1254 reports included, 370 occurred during the pre-pandemic period, 272 during the critical pandemic, 280 during the stabilization, and 332 during the post-pandemic. One thousand and eighty-eight cases involved females, and 692 affected children, with the pre-pandemic period showing the highest number of occurrences. 86.36% of perpetrators were male and acted alone, and 51.20% had a relationship with the victim. Three hundred and fifty-one cases occurred at the victim's residence. No statistically significant association was found among cases across the pandemic periods. Conclusion: Despite the apparent decrease in cases of child sexual violence, it does not necessarily imply a real reduction due to widespread underreporting during COVID-19. The predominant profile of victims is composed of girls aged 11-14 years, with the victim's and perpetrator's residence being the most common locations of sexual violence occurrence, with the perpetrator being a male individual with familial relationship. |
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| Item Description: | 1519-0501 1983-4632 |