ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CHILD SEXUAL VIOLENCE: A

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Juliana Sousa Oliveira 1

Gerson de Oliveira Dias2

Francisco José Pinheiro Araújo 3

Gabriel Morais Silva4

Maria Eduarda Araujo Florêncio5

Adeildo Pereira dos Santos Junior 6

Arthur Vinícius Pereira de Oliveira7

Maria Eduarda Abreu de Oliveira8

Aryanny Furtado Lucena Dos Santos9

Dalila Molinare de Araújo Maciel 10

Karen Alves de Sousa11

Francisco Álamo Furtado Lucena 12

Natália Leal Pacheco Vasconcelos13

Anne Isabelly Gomes ima Vasconcelos 14

1 Olinda School of Medicine

2 Olinda School of Medicine

3 Olinda School of Medicine

4 Olinda School of Medicine

5 Olinda School of Medicine

6 Olinda School of Medicine

7 Olinda School of Medicine

8 Olinda School of Medicine

9 UNIFACISA- CAMPINA GRANDE

10 Centro Universitário Christus

11 Olinda School of Medicine

12 Olinda School of Medicine

13 UNINASSAU

14 UNINASSAU

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

Abstract: Child sexual violence is a serious public health problem in Brazil, with devastating impacts

on the physical, psychological, and social development of victims. The epidemiological analysis carried

out, based on data from DATASUS between 2015 and 2021, revealed a high incidence of cases of child

sexual violence in the country, with a predominance of female victims and male aggressors. São

Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro had the highest numbers of conrmed cases, reecting both

greater exposure and effectiveness in reporting these incidents. On the other hand, states with less

health infrastructure, such as Roraima and Amapá, showed signicantly lower numbers, suggesting

difculties in detection and reporting. The research also identied the large number of unconrmed

cases and blank data, which indicates aws in the process of collecting and recording information. The

relationship between victims and aggressors is predominantly familial, highlighting the importance of

prevention strategies aimed at strengthening the protection network and raising awareness among the

population, especially in schools and in the family environment. Despite advances in public policies,

such as the Health in Schools Program, the implementation of preventive and educational actions still

faces challenges, including cultural resistance and lack of resources, which highlights the need for

a more integrated and effective approach between health, education and social assistance. Thus, the

research highlights the importance of strengthening existing public policies and improving detection,

reporting and support for victims of child sexual violence in Brazil.

Keywords: Child Sexual Abuse; Child Abuse; Epidemiology

INTRODUCTION

Child sexual violence is a serious public health problem that affects children and adolescents

around the world, including Brazil. It is characterized by any sexual act imposed on minors under

18 years of age without their consent, ranging from sexual abuse to commercial sexual exploitation.

These acts have devastating consequences for the physical, psychological and social development of

the victims, compromising their well-being and future.

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

In Brazil, sexual violence against children and adolescents is alarming. According to the

epidemiological bulletin of the Ministry of Health, between 2015 and 2021, 202,948 cases of sexual

violence were reported in this age group, 83,571 against children and 119,377 against adolescents. In

2021, the highest number of notications was recorded, with 35,196 cases (Brasil, 2023).

Most aggressors are male, responsible for more than 81% of cases against children aged 0

to 9 years and 86% of cases against adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. The victims are predominantly

female: 76.9% of the notications of children and 92.7% of the notications of adolescents in these

age groups occurred among girls (BRASIL, 2023).

In addition, it is observed that the victims’ homes are the place where 70.9% of cases of

sexual violence against children aged 0 to 9 years and 63.4% of cases against adolescents aged 10 to

19 years occur. Family members and acquaintances are responsible for 68% of aggressions against

children and 58.4% of aggressions against adolescents in these age groups (Brasil, 2023).

These data highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to prevent and combat child

sexual violence in Brazil. It is essential that public policies are implemented to protect children and

adolescents, in addition to promoting society’s awareness of the seriousness of this problem.

The epidemiological analysis of child sexual violence allows the identication of patterns, risk

factors and more vulnerable groups, providing subsidies for the development of targeted interventions.

Understanding the magnitude and characteristics of this phenomenon is essential for the development

of preventive actions and support for victims.

This article aims to perform an epidemiological analysis of child sexual violence in Brazil,

using updated data from the Ministry of Health and other reliable sources. The main aspects related to

this problem will be discussed, including denitions, statistics, risk factors and prevention strategies.

An in-depth understanding of child sexual violence is crucial for building a fairer and safer

society for children and adolescents, guaranteeing them the right to full development and protection

against all forms of violence.

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

GOAL

To carry out a descriptive epidemiological analysis of child sexual violence in Brazil, based

on data extracted from the Notiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and the Mortality

Information System (SIM), available at DATASUS.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology of this study was descriptive in nature, with the objective of identifying,

classifying and analyzing data on child sexual violence in Brazil, using information from DATASUS,

specically from the SINAN (Notiable Diseases Information System) and SIM (Mortality

Information System) data systems. These systems provided detailed information on reported cases

of sexual violence, allowing a comprehensive analysis of the occurrences registered throughout the

national territory.

Data collection was carried out by consulting the public databases available in DATASUS,

which provided information on the incidence of cases of child sexual violence, as well as data on the

prole of victims and aggressors, such as age, gender, location and relationship between victim and

aggressor. Data on notications of sexual violence registered between 2015 and 2021 were considered

in order to obtain an updated and representative overview of the occurrences of this type of violence

in Brazil.

To ensure the quality and relevance of the data, a ltering process was carried out, selecting

only cases of sexual violence involving victims under the age of 18. In addition, a critical analysis

of the consistency of the data was carried out, identifying possible inconsistencies or failures in the

records and seeking ways to mitigate these impacts in the interpretation of the results.

Data analysis was done quantitatively, using descriptive statistical techniques, such as

means, percentages, graphs and tables. These tools allowed a clear and objective visualization of the

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

information, facilitating the identication of patterns and trends in the occurrences of child sexual

violence. The variables analyzed included the age group of the victims, the gender of the victims and

aggressors, the place of occurrence, the relationship between victim and aggressor, and notications

by geographic region.

The analysis was stratied by categories, such as age group (children aged 0 to 9 years and

adolescents aged 10 to 19 years), sex of the victims (female and male), and the classication of the

victims according to occurrence (sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and other forms of violence). In

addition, special attention was paid to geographic variables, considering regional differences and

the distribution of cases in Brazil, in order to identify areas with greater vulnerability and need for

specic interventions.

The research also sought to identify the main characteristics of the aggressors, such as

gender, age and relationship with the victims, in order to understand the prole of these individuals

and their possible motivations. The analysis of this variable was fundamental for the development of

prevention strategies, as it allowed for the targeting of awareness and guidance actions to the most

prevalent risk groups.

Finally, the results obtained were analyzed in the light of the existing literature on the

subject, comparing them with national and international studies on child sexual violence, in order

to contextualize the data found and provide a more in-depth diagnosis of the situation of sexual

violence against children and adolescents in Brazil. The conclusions of the study aimed to support

the development of more effective public policies and the implementation of prevention measures,

in addition to contributing to the advancement of knowledge about child sexual violence and its

implications for public health.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Based on the data presented, information on the incidence of cases in several states was

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

analyzed. The grand total of records was 235,008, of which 67,214 are conrmed cases, 153,966

unconrmed, 3,053 unknown and 10,775 blank. This set of data was crucial to identify the states

with the highest incidence of cases and, consequently, the region that requires the most attention. The

analysis is described in graph 01.

Graph 01: Frequency by state Notication

In rst place, the state of São Paulo (35) stands out with the highest number of conrmed

cases, with a total of 17,633. This result can be attributed to the large population number in the

state, which naturally leads to a greater number of records, in addition to the more accessible health

infrastructure and the possible greater detection capacity. However, this also implies that the high

incidence of cases in São Paulo may reect both greater exposure and better case notication.

Another state that has a high incidence rate is Minas Gerais (31), with 12,189 conrmed

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

cases. This number is also among the highest in Brazil, which may be related to the population density

and the state epidemiological context, including the quality of health services and the population’s

awareness of symptoms and diagnoses. Minas Gerais has a wide network of health units and public

health initiatives, which may have led to the detection and notication of a signicant number of cases.

Next, the state of Rio de Janeiro (33) also draws attention, with 6,121 conrmed cases. Rio de

Janeiro, being one of the most populous states with a robust health infrastructure, has high incidence

numbers, reecting both the effectiveness of the health network and the possibility of underreporting

in other states with fewer resources. The variability in state data suggests that regional disparities

directly inuence detection rates.

At the other end of the table, states such as Roraima (14) and Amapá (16) have signicantly

lower numbers, with only 459 and 165 conrmed cases, respectively. These states have smaller

populations and a health network that, although present, may not be as efcient in terms of detection

compared to large capitals. In addition, the socioeconomic particularities of regions farther from the

center of the country also inuence these numbers.

Another relevant data is the large number of unconrmed cases, especially in states such

as Bahia (29), which has 8,407 unconrmed cases, which may indicate a failure in data collection

or analysis, or even a resistance of the population to seek care for diagnosis. This phenomenon of

underreporting may be common in areas with less access to health care or in more vulnerable regions,

reecting inequalities in health care.

The analysis of blank and ignored data shows the importance of a continuous process of

reviewing health records. The signicant number of blank (10,775) and ignored (3,053) cases in several

states indicates that there is a lack of consistency in the completion of data, which can hinder the

accuracy of statistics and make it difcult to develop more effective public health strategies. Facing

this challenge requires improvements in the processes of collecting and systematizing information.

This information reveals an alarming picture, with a signicant concentration of cases in

states such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. This phenomenon can be interpreted from

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

the literature, which highlights the relationship between higher case notication and the availability

of health services, as well as greater awareness of the importance of reporting. Anjos et al. (2022)

reinforce that nursing in the school environment has been an effective strategy in the early identication

of signs of child violence, especially when it involves sexual violence. However, underreporting in

states with less infrastructure remains a challenge, as discussed by Cruz et al. (2023), who point out

that the scarcity of prevention programs in health services contributes to the perpetuation of violence.

The literature also highlights that, in most cases of child sexual violence, the aggressors

are family members or people close to the victim. This is corroborated by the study by Araújo Sá

et al. (2024), which warns about the “silence” of academia and society in the face of these abuses,

suggesting that violence occurs in environments in which the child should feel safe. For the authors, the

strengthening of public policies aimed at educating and sensitizing the population, with an emphasis

on the family, is one of the most effective ways to reduce sexual violence. The need for a more active

approach in the training of health professionals to recognize signs of sexual abuse is also emphasized

by Anunciação et al. (2023), who state that the school is a crucial space for the early detection of

violence.

In addition, the data suggest that states with higher rates of sexual violence have more

resources and health programs, but these data also reect the greater detection and notication of these

cases, which may be a positive indication that the child support network has been strengthened. The

Health at School Program, analyzed by Cavalcanti et al. (2015), is an example of government action

that aims to integrate health and education, allowing for joint action in the ght against violence.

However, the implementation of this program has shown gaps, especially in municipalities with fewer

resources. Muñoz (2019) observes that the effectiveness of the Health at School Program depends

on the ability to articulate between schools and health units, in addition to continuing education of

professionals who work in the eld of child health.

Thus, when confronting the data with the theories of prevention and intervention in the

literature, it is observed that, although there is an increase in complaints and visibility on child sexual

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

violence, there are still failures in the execution and monitoring of public policies, as pointed out by

Justina (2021) and Kirsch (2022). The implementation of integrated health and education programs,

such as the Health at School Program, is fundamental, but the challenges are many, including cultural

resistance and lack of resources. The literature suggests that an interdisciplinary approach, involving

health, education and social assistance, may be the key to building a more robust and effective

protection system.

CONCLUSION

In view of the above, this research highlights the magnitude of the problem and the disparity

in notication between the states, which can be attributed to factors such as health infrastructure

and the population’s awareness. The literature reviewed indicates that, although public policies,

such as the Health at School Program, have advanced, there are still signicant challenges in their

implementation, especially in areas with fewer resources. Integrated action between health, education

and social assistance, with a focus on raising awareness and continuous training of professionals,

is essential to improve detection, prevention and support for victims. Therefore, it is essential to

continue investing in effective prevention strategies and a multidisciplinary approach to combat child

sexual violence more effectively.

REFERENCES

ANJOS JSM, et al. Prevention of child violence through nursing performance in the school environment.

Electronic Journal Health Collection, 2022; 15(10): e11229-e11229.

ANUNCIAÇÃO LL, et al. Violence against children and adolescents: multiprofessional interventions

of Primary Health Care at school. Saúde em Debate, 2023; 46: 201-212.

ARAÚJO SÁ AA, et al. Sexual violence and the silence of academia-until when?. Revista Foco, 2024;

ISSN: 2763-5724 / Vol. 05 - n 01 - ano 2025

17(4): e4673-e4673.

CAVALCANTI PB, LUCENA CMF, LUCENA PLC. Health at School Program: interpellations on

education and health actions in Brazil. Textos & Contextos (Porto Alegre), 2015; 14(2): 387-402.

CRUZ NL, et al. Prevention of sexual violence in adolescence: a scoping review. Brazilian Journal of

Human Sexuality, 2023; 34: 1119-1119.

JUSTINA T. Health education and the Health at School Program: a scoping review. Texts & Contexts,

2021.

KIRSCH GH. Practical guide to help Family Health Strategy teams in the practice of the actions of

the Health at School Program in a municipality on the North Coast of Rio Grande do Sul. UFRGS,

2022.

MUÑOZ MCM. Analysis of the implementation of the School Health Program in a municipality in

the State of São Paulo. Ufscar, 2019.

OLIVEIRA SA, et al. Problematizing sexual violence in the educational context: how schools have

positioned themselves in identifying and combating child sexual abuse. UFPA, 2023.

PEREIRA RG, et al. The School Health Program and the Family Health Strategy Team. In: 10th

International Congress of the United Network. 2012.

REGO EL. Preventive actions of the Health at School Program against sexual violence in the

municipality of Casinhas, Pernambuco. Brazilian Journal of Health Review, 2019; 2(6): 5811-5821.