Abstract

SUAREZ SOLA, M. L.  and  GONZALEZ DELGADO, F. J.. Statistics and significance of sexual violence in  minors. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2003, n.32, pp.49-62. ISSN 1988-611X.

We have compiled during eight years 58 cases on sexual violence allegations to minors. We have considered studying some variables like the incidence frequency throughout the years or months in order to assess if there was greater incidence in vacation periods, end-of-month, pay-check days, etc. We have also paid attention to other variables such as hours of the exploration; marital status of the mothers; origin of the allegation. For instance we have observed that it is the same minor who relates the allegation in 67% of the cases. The time elapsed between the event and the time a charge is presented varies widely, although it has been observed that it is shorter when the aggressor is not known or is not related to the minor. When it is a relative or the parent, it usually takes years for charges to be brought to justice, probably until the girl discovers that those activities are incorrect and unjust or she can defend herself against her aggressor. In our investigation the offender is known in 88% of the cases. Although sexual abuse can happen in all social classes, in this study we could verify that it is more frequent in deprived, poorer classes. This can be interpreted in many ways. Either it happens less in wealthier classes, or they prefer to keep it quiet in order to avoid public scrutiny. Nevertheless the study shows that social outcast and poverty are frequent in this group of minors.

Keywords : sexual violence; ages; aggressors; origin of the allegation; statistics.

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