Prostituição infantil e desigualdade: o reflexo da exclusão social nas comunidades carentes

Abstract

The sexual exploitation of children and adolescents constitutes one of the most serious violations of fundamental rights and human rights, directly affecting human dignity and compromising the holistic development of individuals at a critical stage of development. Although the Brazilian legal system provides regulatory mechanisms designed to protect children and adolescents, the persistence of this form of violence highlights challenges related to the enforcement of the rights guaranteed by the 1988 Federal Constitution, the Statute of the Child and Adolescent, and international treaties on the protection of children’s rights. This study aims to analyze the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents as a violation of fundamental rights and a reflection of social inequalities present in vulnerable communities. It seeks to examine the legal instruments designed to protect children and adolescents, understand the influence of social exclusion and economic vulnerability on the occurrence of this phenomenon, and discuss the challenges faced by public policies for prevention and response. The research was conducted using a deductive method, employing a qualitative approach and procedures for reviewing the literature and documents, based on the analysis of legislation, legal doctrine, scientific articles, and academic works related to the topic. The results demonstrate that, despite the existence of a comprehensive system of legal protection, factors such as poverty, social exclusion, the fragility of protection networks, and the inadequacy of public policies contribute to the persistence of sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. It is concluded that combating this form of violence requires integrated action among the State, the family, and society, coupled with the implementation of effective public policies and the effective realization of the constitutional principles of human dignity, comprehensive protection, and absolute priority.