THE LEGAL SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE FACE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY

Abstract

Sexual violence against children and adolescents generally translates into the act in which the criminal unfairly abuses these individuals to satisfy their sexual desires. The effects of this crime are highly harmful for the victims, given the fact that children and adolescents are vulnerable victims who do not have the clarity and maturity to identify and face situations of violence. However, research has shown that most of this crime is committed at home. Given this, the aim of this study was to discuss the legal and social consequences of sexual violence against children and adolescents. In methodology, it was a bibliographical review, based on selected scientific studies and jurisprudence, whose time frame was between 2018 and 2023 found in databases such as Scielo and Google Scholar. In the results, it was clear that the main norm that regulates this situation is Law nº. 13.431/2017, which contains in its text, among other aspects, protection measures for child and adolescent victims. It is noteworthy that in these cases, the penalty does not only apply to those who actually committed the crime. The lack of protection and prevention of those responsible in the face of the violence suffered by the victim is also subject to condemnation. Furthermore, it is understood that preventing child sexual violence involves education about consent, identifying suspicious behavior and promoting safe environments.