National Day for the Prevention of Abuse Against Children and Adolescents in Argentina

November 19 is the National Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Argentina. Abuse against children and adolescents is a serious problem worldwide. It is estimated that one in five children in the world has been a victim of sexual abuse. Children who are sexually abused face a higher risk of mental and physical health problems throughout their lives. Sexual abuse can also have a negative impact on children's social and emotional development.

In Argentina, according to data obtained from the National Program for Victims against Violence, during the period 2020-2021, of the total number of registered victims of sexual violence (5,566), 58% were children and adolescents (3,219). There was also a 63% concentration of consultations in the City and Province of Buenos Aires.

The modalities of sexual abuse occur both in the intra and extra-family context, and a similar situation also occurs in sexual exploitation, child pornography and the crime of Grooming. The consequences of these crimes, as is well known, last over time, affecting the development and future stages of life.

Since the amendment of Article 72 of the Argentine Penal Code, abuse has become a crime of public action, which means that more and more cases are coming to court, given that 75% of rapists are usually direct relatives or confidants in the family circle.