This study examines reports of sexual violence against adolescents in 2007 and 2008 made with the North- and South-District Child and Adolescent Protective Services of Campo Grande, the capital city of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data for this retrospective, descriptive and quantitative research were collected from the services' archives on sexual violence against adolescents. Results: most victims were females. Reports predominantly concerned boys and girls from 10 to 14 years of age. Most offenders were males. The majority of reported cases occurred at home. When addressing cases of sexual violence, healthcare professionals should adopt a stance permeated by respect for the victims and their families. This requires providing a receptive environment, so as to ensure the level of privacy required for victimized adolescents to report facts and express their feelings.
Sexual violence; Child advocacy; Adolescent health; Pediatric nursing
