Violence against children: description of cases in a municipality in the coastal lowlands of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Objective

to describe the reported cases of violence against children in a city in the coastal lowlands of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Method

this is an epidemiological and descriptive study based on secondary data. All cases of childhood maltreatment (children aged zero to nine years) between 2009 and 2018, referring to the municipality of Rio das Ostras, included in the Reportable Diseases Information System, were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

a total of 315 (100%) cases were recorded in the analyzed period, with the highest peak of occurrence in 2014 (n=55/21.1%). Most children were female (n=187/59.4%), aged between 1 and 4 years (n=136/43.2%) and white (n=100/31.7%). Moreover, there was a predominance sexual violence (n=128/40.6%). The main offenders were mothers (n=110/34.9%) and fathers (n=102/32.4%); therefore, the residence (n=216/69.0%) was the most prevalent place of maltreatment occurrence.

Conclusion and implications for practice

the findings showed gaps in filling in information in the report system, in addition to the perpetuation of violence against children in their different natures. The study can contribute to establishing priorities in the design and execution of local programs for the prevention and management of cases of child violence.

Keywords:
Child Health; Child; Violence; Child Abuse; Health Profile