Pedroso MRO, Leite FMC. Physical violence against children in Espírito Santo, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors.
J Pediatr (Rio J) 2023;
99:147-153. [PMID:
36113563 PMCID:
PMC10031317 DOI:
10.1016/j.jped.2022.07.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To verify the prevalence of reported cases and the factors associated with physical violence against the child.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study with data from reported cases of physical violence against children from 2011 to 2018 in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The characteristics of the victim, author and aggression were studied, and the associations were analyzed using Poisson regression.
RESULTS
In the period, were notified of 3,127 cases of violence against children. The frequency of physical violence was 23.6% (CI95%: 22.2-25.2), more prevalent in males; for the age group of 6 to 9 years; in rural areas; among aggressors over 20 years of age; outside the residence, and night/dawn shift.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical violence affects an expressive number of children, mainly committed by adult individuals, probably being the result of an asymmetric relationship of power. Thus, it is important to highlight the need for child protection actions together with cultural and structural changes in our society.
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