Violence among children and adolescents: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review describes the characteristics of victims and perpetrators in cases involving sexual abuse, and analyzes data from 24 papers selected from 81 studies found by using the search engines of VHL and PubMed, between 2008 and 2009. Sociodemographic and physical data regarding the victims and perpetrators were researched. Exclusion criteria included thematic approaches that were different from the one intended and the non-characterization of the victims and aggressors in the studies. The victims are mainly female and most studies were carried out with adolescents. Perpetrators were predominantly male, the majority of whom were known by the victim. Half of the perpetrators were related to the victim. The profile of cases of sexual abuse against children is repetitive and, to a certain extent, predictable, which means it should be possible to implement public policies and socio-educational measures to combat this pernicious practice. This creates the need for more effective child protection initiatives and for joint action from the various sectors to repress such acts and promote awareness and prevention events and campaigns about sexual violence against children.