Tecendo redes e resistência: o enfrentamento a violência sexual contra crianças e adolescentes na Capela do Socorro antes, durante e pós pandemia por COVID-19

Abstract

This Master's Research aims to analyze the strategies of the Network for Combating Sexual Violence and Exploitation of Children and Adolescents of Capela do Socorro and Parelheiros in the city of São Paulo in the period before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it seeks to understand how cases of children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence are identified; verify the referral flow in cases of sexual violence against children and adolescents identified by the Capela do Socorro Protection Network; understand the services available at Capela do Socorro to assist children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence; To understand the difficulties and potential of the Network's work and to learn about the Network's actions to address sexual violence against children and adolescents in Capela do Socorro between February 2011 and November 2024. The methodology adopted for this study was exploratory, quantitative, and qualitative, and the methodological procedures consisted of bibliographic and documentary research, followed by interviews using a scripted questionnaire with actors from the Network to Combat Violence and Sexual Exploitation against Children and Adolescents in Capela do Socorro. The sub-prefecture of Parelheiros was not represented at the Network's post-pandemic meetings, so the research will focus on Capela do Socorro. The research showed that since 2009 there has been a Network in Capela do Socorro working to combat sexual violence against children and adolescents and discussing a Local Operational Plan. In 2013, Parelheiros began to participate in the discussions of this Network. The study showed that the numbers of sexual violence against children and adolescents in Capela do Socorro increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019, mainly in the 1-3 and 6-10 age groups. The investigation identified an increase in pornography consumption by children aged 6 to 9, and professionals still do not know how to handle this situation. Given this, there is an urgent need to invest in public policies to address this problem, to train professionals through continuing education on the topic of healthy sexual development in children and adolescents and on sexual and reproductive rights, in order to prevent this type of violence, since most of the perpetrators are people close to the children and adolescents who are victims of sexual violence, and children need to be taught to say no!