Abuso sexual de menores em Ressano garcia e no contexto moçambicano, 1998-2005

Abstract

The present work, under the theme of the sexual abuse of minors, aims to analyse the sexual abuse, placing the emphasis on the factors that contribute to the occurrence of sexual abuse and its consequences on the victims. The relevance of this study is due to the fact that there seems to be more and more cases of sexual abuse, cases which threaten the integrity of the minor considered as the victim. The data shows that almost half of the minors interviewed have already suffered some form of sexual abuse. The embarrassment caused by sexual abuse by adults more than by other children is enormous. Firstly because the child, interacts daily with adults, and because the only interpretative references that the child has are those provided by the adults around him/her. Secondly, because abuse imposes secrecy and isolation, which makes abuse a silenced experience. As for the explanation, that abuse is linked to poverty cannot be considered a justification for child sexual abuse despite it being a potential factor. Economic disparities, dysfunctional families, lack or low level of education, growing consumerism, rural exodus, gender-based discrimination, irresponsible male sexual behaviour, negative traditional practices, armed conflicts, etc. also contribute. In the first part of this thesis we sought to reflect on the object of study, the objectives, the scientific relevance, the chronological boundaries, the argument, the bibliographical review, the methodology, the hypotheses, the starting question and the conceptual theoretical framework. In the second half of the theoretical part we seek to understand the historical perspective of sexual abuse, potential abusers and finally the Mozambican Legislation in relation to the protection of minors. In the third and last part we bring the characteristics of the town of Ressano Garcia, some factors and consequences of the sexual abuse of minors, the forms and contours in which sexual abuse is manifested, the attitudes taken against the abusers, and finally the conclusion of the study. (TRADUÇAO NOSSA)