Physical violence against Brazilian children and adolescents: a 4-year study

Objective

To investigate and compare differences in physical aggression among children and adolescents.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional study of victims of violence by physical aggression was conducted in a Forensic Unit that attends such victims. Reports of violence containing complete information were gathered for 164 children and 788 adolescents. Data were collected from the information contained in these reports.

Results

The results of the multivariate logistic regression model analysis indicated that five of the nine factors investigated showed a statistically significant association with children or adolescents. Female children were more likely to be associated with cases of violence [OR: 2.90, 95 % CI (1.88, 4.44)] in the domestic environment [OR: 6.55, 95 % CI (4.37, 9.82)]. Among adolescents, boys were more likely to be involved, and group violence was more frequent. The injuries sustained by both children and adolescents affected more than one body area. Separately, the head and face were the most affected.

Conclusion

Differences were encountered between the factors investigated for children and adolescents, emphasizing the complexity of the issue in the juvenile age group. Efforts to combat and prevent violence require specific guidelines for both children and adolescents. There is also a need to develop qualitative approaches that foster an understanding of this issue from a new perspective.