Contribuições da análise psicológica para decisões judiciais em caso de abuso sexual contra menores

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is one of the most severe forms of violence against children and adolescents, demanding effective responses from the justice system. Forensic Psychology plays a fundamental role in such cases, particularly in the specialized listening of the victim, the production of technical reports and opinions, and the mediation between psychological and legal knowledge. This study aims to address the following research question: what is the role of Forensic Psychology in safeguarding the rights of children and adolescents, as established in the legal framework, in cases involving child sexual abuse? The objective is to analyze whether the role of a forensic psychologist is essential to ensuring the preservation of victims’ dignity within the judicial context. The methodology adopted was a bibliographic and documentary review, grounded in specialized works on Forensic Psychology, legal documents, and recent scientific publications. The method was hypothetical-deductive, based on the hypothesis that the presence of a forensic psychologist is vital for guaranteeing the fundamental rights of victims, with emphasis on full protection, specialized listening, and the humanization of procedures. A qualitative approach enabled a critical reflection on the topic through the analysis of three main theoretical axes: I) Forensic Psychology and its interface with Law; II) the psychological consequences of child sexual abuse on victims’ development; and III) the importance of psychological support throughout the judicial process, aimed at mitigating trauma and ensuring the safe participation of the child or adolescent in legal proceedings. The results indicate that the work of a forensic psychologist is crucial to ensure fairer, more well-founded, and ethical judicial decisions, thereby supporting the comprehensive protection of children and adolescents. Thus, this study reinforces the vital role of Forensic Psychology in the realization of human rights and in safeguarding the dignity of victims within judicial processes