Preventing and Combating Sexual Violence against Children and Adolescents: A Look at Education and Reporting

Sexual violence against children and adolescents is a serious violation of human rights and profoundly affects the physical, psychological and emotional development of victims. This type of violence can manifest itself in different forms, such as sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, and it is essential that everyone is informed about the differences between them. In addition, it is essential that sexual education, prevention and reporting channels are widely disseminated, ensuring that both adults and children know how to identify signs of abuse and how to act in risky situations.

Differences between Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation

Understanding the nuances between sexual abuse and exploitation is essential so that we can protect children and adolescents more effectively.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is characterized by the violation of the sexual rights of a child or adolescent with the intention of satisfying the sexual desires of an adult or malicious individual. This crime can occur in many ways, whether physical or psychological, and usually involves coercion, threat or seduction. Sexual abuse often occurs within the family environment or between close people, which makes recognition and reporting more difficult, but no less important.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation, on the other hand, is related to the use of children and adolescents as sexual commodities or objects, with the aim of obtaining financial or material compensation, such as money, gifts or benefits. Sexual exploitation is often associated with criminal networks, such as human trafficking and child prostitution, although it can also occur in other contexts. Sexual exploitation represents a deeper violation of the dignity of the child, transforming them into a commodity that is exchanged for external advantages.

O girassol é o símbolo da campanha Faça Bonito, que remete aos desenhos da primeira infância, que precisa de cuidado e proteção para que cresça e se espalhe de forma saudável e segura | Foto: Prefeitura de Muriaé

Sex Education: A Prevention Tool

Sex education plays a crucial role in preventing sexual violence, as it provides children and adolescents with the necessary knowledge about their rights, how their bodies work, and ways to protect themselves from abuse. By teaching them from an early age about the limits of their bodies and how to identify risky situations, sex education prepares young people to become more responsible and aware adults.

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Benefits of Sex Education

By educating children about sexuality in a safe and appropriate way, they learn how to protect their bodies and prevent unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and STDs. Most importantly, sex education can help children identify when they are being sexually abused or exploited, giving them the tools to report it or seek help.

How to Report Cases of Sexual Violence

Reporting cases of sexual abuse and exploitation is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. There are several ways to report these crimes, and all reports can be made anonymously .

Reporting Channels

• Dial 100 : Dial Human Rights is a direct line for anonymous reports of sexual abuse and exploitation against children and adolescents.

• Specialized police stations : Police stations that exclusively serve children and women are equipped to deal with these cases in a sensitive and confidential manner.

• RJ Hotline : Call (021) 2253-1177 or access Anonymous WhatsApp: (021) 2253-1177.

• Guardianship Council : Another option for those who wish to report a violation of the rights of children and adolescents.

• Samu 192 : For requests for urgent medical care.

  
  

These channels are essential for protecting the rights of children and adolescents and for ensuring that cases of sexual violence are properly investigated and punished.

Preventing sexual violence against children and adolescents involves, above all, awareness and education. By disseminating information about forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, and strengthening reporting channels, we can protect our young people and build a safer and fairer society for all.

If you or someone you know is facing risky situations, do not hesitate to seek help and report it. Remember that it is essential that everyone does their part to eradicate sexual violence and ensure that children and adolescents can grow up with dignity and safety.

Find out more about children's and adolescents' rights by following us on Instagram @projetotardefeliz and always be informed about issues relevant to the health and well-being of our young people.