INTRAFAMILIAL SEXUAL ABUSE AND THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Violence against children and adolescents is one of the greatest 
social challenges, with intrafamilial sexual abuse being one of the most serious and 
silent forms, marked by relationships of power, trust, and omission that hinder 
reporting. The objective of this study was to analyze the phenomenon in the family 
context, identifying its particularities, warning signs, consequences, and legal and 
institutional protection instruments. The research adopted a qualitative and 
exploratory nature, with a deductive method, literature review, and documentary 
analysis of legislation and reports. The results indicated the prevalence of girls 
among the victims, the perpetuation of violence through silence, and the fragility of 
the support network. It is concluded that, although there is a robust legal 
framework, the effectiveness of protection requires intersectoral public policies, 
prevention, victim empowerment, and active participation of society.