ONE IN FIVE? CHILD SEXUAL VICTIMISATION IN SPAIN

Abstract

While the extent of child sexual victimisation remains a subject of controversy, numerous international studies confirm that it is a highly prevalent problem that affects a large percentage of the population. The objective of this article is to review the studies about the epidemiology of child sexual victimisation published in Spain. The studies were classified into the following groups: studies of reported incidence, studies of prevalence and studies in which the data are obtained directly from children. The results indicate that, despite the voices that refuse to recognise it, child sexual victimisation is a frequent problem. In conclusion, the role of the professionals who work with children in the detection and reporting of these cases is emphasised as well as the responsibility of the government to fund national-level studies.

Keywords

• Abuso sexual
• Incidencia
• Prevalencia
• Epidemiology
• Sexual abuse
• Incidence
• Prevalence
• Sexual victimisation