The goal of the current study was to describe the profile of the families involved in complaints done to the SOS Criança of Curitiba from 1995 to 2000. The researchers examined the content of 400 documents, related to the record of the victimized children and adolescents (aged 0-18 years old). The analysis of the data (which delations were confirmed) revealed that most of the complaints (64,9%) came from neighborhoods. The complaints involved 51,0% cases of physical aggression, 34,4% of neglect, 7,3% of abandon and 7,3% of sexual abuse. About the victims: 48,5% were girls and 51,5% were boys. About the aggressors: 54,1% were mothers, 15,3% were fathers and 14,4% were both of them. Abuse is disrespect against children and their rights. Authors conclude that the situation is urgent, more scientific studies and more social attitudes are necessary.
Child maltreatment; Domestic violence; Child abuse
