Impact of COVID-19 on Child Sexual Violence: Cross-Sectional Study of Forensic Cases in a State Capital of Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the potential impact of the pandemic on the number of sexological forensic examinations among children and adolescents in a state capital of Northeastern Brazil, as well as to outline the profile of victims and perpetrators. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis of medical-legal/forensic dental examinations conducted from March 2019 to March 2023, focusing on cases of sexual intercourse/sexual assault suffered by children and adolescents examined in the municipality of João Pessoa, Brazil. Results: Of the 1254 reports included, 370 occurred during the pre-pandemic period, 272 during the critical pandemic, 280 during the stabilization, and 332 during the post-pandemic. One thousand and eighty-eight cases involved females, and 692 affected children, with the pre-pandemic period showing the highest number of occurrences. 86.36% of perpetrators were male and acted alone, and 51.20% had a relationship with the victim. Three hundred and fifty-one cases occurred at the victim's residence. No statistically significant association was found among cases across the pandemic periods. Conclusion: Despite the apparent decrease in cases of child sexual violence, it does not necessarily imply a real reduction due to widespread underreporting during COVID-19. The predominant profile of victims is composed of girls aged 11-14 years, with the victim's and perpetrator's residence being the most common locations of sexual violence occurrence, with the perpetrator being a male individual with familial relationship.

Keywords

• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• Sex Offenses
• Coronavirus Infections