Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of legal aspects pertaining to CSA in Brazil, followed by cases widely reported in the national media which helped increase awareness of stakeholders. With examples of preventive intervention strategies, this chapter reflects upon this serious problem. Brazilian laws are regulated federally (not by state), therefore, the country has a uniform legislation covering its wide territory. The Brazilian Criminal Code was altered in 2009, (Law no. 12.015), the first change since 1940, with several articles typifying CSA. In addition to the Criminal Code, the Child and Adolescent Act was recently revised to incorporate several types of child sexual abuse, including child pornography. This legislation implemented in 1990, and inspired by the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC), is considered to be a progressive regulation in child protection, requiring mandatory reporting of child abuse by professionals who serve or have direct contact with children. Six CSA cases widely covered by the media will be described, as they help to assess the impact of CSA on the country, proving that Brazil is still learning how to implement effective prevention strategies, such as the training of its key professionals. Although many implementation challenges must still be faced, such as short-funding of Child Protection services, there is growing awareness about the tragic consequences of CSA in this country.
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Williams, L.C.A., D’Affonseca, S.M. (2016). Child Sexual Abuse in Brazil: Awareness, Legal Aspects and Examples of Prevention Strategies. In: Deb, S. (eds) Child Safety, Welfare and Well-being. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2425-9_23
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