Recurrent violence against children: analysis of cases notified between 2011 and 2018 in the Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To identify the frequency of reported cases and factors associated with recurrent childhood violence in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with cases notified in the Notifiable Diseases Information System between 2011-2018. Associations were tested using Pearson’s Chi-Square test and Poisson Regression stratified by sex. Results: The frequency of recurrent violence was 32.5%. In boys, it was associated with the child’s age (PR=1.38 – 95%CI 1.11;1.73) and the aggressor’s age (PR=1.85 – 95%CI 1.30;2.63) and the occurrence at home (PR=1.61 – 95%CI 1.23;2.11); in girls, it was associated with age (PR=1.39 – 95%CI 1.20;1.60) and the presence of disabilities/disorders in the victim (PR=1.43 – 95%CI 1.22;1.67), abusive parents (PR=3.70 – 95%CI 1.65;8.32) and occurrence at home (PR=1.39 – 95%CI 1.10;1.75). Conclusion: Recurrent violence was present in almost a third of the reports of violence against children in the state, requiring the recognition of its associated factors for the development of prevention policies.