SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: PERCEPTION OF PROFESSIONALS ON THE PROTECTION NETWORK DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.2163152304074

• Palavras-chave: COVID-19. Social isolation. Sexual Offences. Child Sexual Abuse. Adolescent.

• Keywords: COVID-19. Social isolation. Sexual Offences. Child Sexual Abuse. Adolescent.

• Abstract:

  This study aimed to understand and analyze the perception of professionals about the protection network for children and adolescents, victims of sexual violence, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a qualitative research, based on the notions of contextualization and understanding the complex paradigm. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire during the period from March to June 2020. Six coordinators linked to the Tutelary Council and Specialized Reference Centers for Social Assistance (CREAS) participated in the study, from the protection network of a municipality in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Data were analyzed thematically, anchored in the Paradigm of Complexity. It was found that for professionals, sexual violence against children and adolescents was impacted by social isolation, with consequences for complaints to the protection network due to underreporting and the worsening of living with the aggressor. Furthermore, lack of assistance from the protection network during the period of social isolation also impacted the effectiveness of the work process; and the occurrences revealed the need to implement protection policies. This way, understanding the sexual violence phenomenon, observing the current scenario and apprehending the actions announced by the federal government guide recommendations for Brazilian public policies regarding coping with times of social isolation.