A interface entre o Serviço de Proteção e Atendimento Especializado a Famílias e Indivíduos e à infância em situação de violência sexual em Manaus.

Abstract

The overall objective of this study is to analyse the work of the Specialised Protection and Assistance Service for Families and Individuals (PAEFI) with children who have experienced sexual violence and their families in Manaus. The specific objectives are: 1) To reveal the actions of PAEFI with children in situations of sexual violence and their families; 2) To characterise the profile of children in situations of sexual violence (and their families) served by PAEFI services; and 3) To reflect on how the articulation of the intersectoral network instigates PAEFI's actions to assist children in situations of sexual violence and their families. The research was conducted at the Specialised Social Assistance Reference Centres (CREAS) in Manaus. This is a qualitative, empirical study. The chosen methodological framework was Depth Hermeneutics. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews and playful dialogue. The research subjects were 19 municipal social workers and 8 users (children and family guardians). The results of the research indicate that the implementation of PAEFI has contributed to strengthening the protective role of the family and has a positive impact on family and community life. However, there are limitations and weaknesses in its execution, such as insufficient human and material resources. As for the profile of the children, girls (79%) between the ages of 7 and 11 (69%) prevail, self-declared as brown-skinned, the majority (75%) in primary school, who predominantly experienced sexual abuse, mostly by perpetrators with family ties. With regard to the assessment of the children, the follow-up was positive, however, not all of them understand the reason why they are receiving treatment. The research indicates that the guardians are of both sexes and not only parents, are between 30 and 49 years old, predominantly brown-skinned, have a secondary education and work as informal workers. With regard to the guardians' perspective, the assessment was positive, with satisfactory impacts on family life, including access to other public policies and healthy behavioural and emotional changes in family/community life, even with the weaknesses identified by professionals. Regarding intersectoral coordination, we identified that it exists, but it was evaluated differently between professionals and managers, indicating that, for technicians, there is a continuing need to strengthen the intersectoral network. Thus, the interface between PAEFI and abused children shows that the service is developed considering the reality of each territory and its limitations. However, it is important to rethink new service methodologies, especially for children, and to standardise CREAS information.