Epidemiology of child and youth sexual violence in the city of São Paulo

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile of sexual violence in children and adolescents living in the city of São Paulo. Methods: This is a descriptive study. Secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System from January 2015 to December 2017 were used. Results: 2,884 cases of sexual violence involving children and adolescents were reported for the period. There was an evolution in the number of reported cases between the years (2015–401; 2016–1049 and 2017 - 1434). The age group with the highest risk estimate for sexual violence was 5 to 9 years. The prevalence of cases occurred in females (81.1%) and blacks (47.2%). Regarding the aggressors, friends / acquaintances (20.9%) and parents (16.8%) prevailed. Conclusion: The temporal and evolutionary aggravation of sexual violence to the health of children and adolescents was evidenced and inequalities were observed in the life cycle, gender and race.