Profile of child sex offenders and their contexts: a scoping review
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Abstract
Childhood is a vulnerable period, protected by international legislation such as the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (UN, 1959), which affirms the need for protection from neglect and exploitation. The concept of childhood, however, varies between cultures, influencing children's experiences. This scoping review aims to map the profile of child sex offenders in different social and cultural contexts. The methodology followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), reviewing 25 studies from 13 countries, using 4 databases: MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, LILACS and Web of Science. The results were collected and analyzed in 3 broad categories: (1) personal characteristics of the aggressor; (2) the act of abuse; (3) contexts of the aggressor. In this article we will analyze only the category related to the context of the aggressor: Family contexts and background; Educational and socioeconomic contexts; Cultural contexts and Religious contexts. The results show that many aggressors share a history of childhood abuse and neglect, associated with dysfunctional family environments. In terms of education, the majority of aggressors have little schooling, although there are exceptions, such as those in positions of authority.Cultural elements, especially sexual taboos and gender stereotypes, play a significant role in perpetuating abuse, as do religious distortions.The conclusions show that the prevention of child abuse must consider multiple factors, from education to family support, including culture and religion. It is reinforced that a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach is fundamental to tackling child sexual violence.
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