Violence against children: An analysis of mandatory reporting of violence, Brazil 2011

Abstract

This article aims to describe and analyze reporting of violence against children from 0 to 9 years of age, issued by the public health services, in Brazil. Data from the Violence and Accident Surveillance System (Viva-SINAN) were used. The frequency of selected variables was calculated by age group (0-1; 2-5 and 6-9 years of age) as well as their Prevalence Ratios (PR). 17.900 cases were reported: 33% in the 0-1 year group; 35,8% in the 2-5 year group; and 31,2% in the 6-9 year group. Physical violence predominated among boys (PR: 1.22; CI 95%: 1,16-1,28 ); 6-9 years old (PR: 1,19; CI 95%: 1,12-1.27 ). Sexual violence predominated among girls, mulatto/ afro-descendant (PR: 1.12; CI 95 %: 1.06 to 1.19 ); 6-9 years (PR: 4.63; CI 95%: 4.22- 5.08) with more chances of occurring at home (PR: 1.38 , CI: 95%: 1.29-1.48); psychological violence prevailed among girls, mulatto/afro-descendant (PR: 1.10; CI 95 %: 1.03-1.18 ), 6-9 years old (PR: 2.95; CI 95%: 2.69- 3.23), at home (PR: 1.40; CI 95%: 1.29-1.53); negligence predominated among boys (PR: 1.33 ; 95% CI: 1.27-1.39); 0-1 years and their parents were the most prevalent perpetrators. The results indicate the need to strengthen intersectoral actions aiming at extending the social protection and care network.