DIFFICULTIES IN STUDYING SEXUAL ABUSE AGAINST MINORS AND A SITUATIONAL APPROACH TO ENSURING SECURITY

Abstract

The study of sexual violence against minors, in addition to the variability of statistical data and a high level of latency, is associated with some theoretical and applied problems that have not yet been resolved. The author first gives a brief description of the phenomenon, focusing on pedophilia, and then considers the main difficulties associated with the study of the phenomenon of violation of the rights of minors in the field of sexual integrity. Consideration of problem areas is associated with discussions that have unfolded in the foreign and domestic public field regarding the boundaries of normality in sexual relations, especially when it comes to children. The article highlights issues related to the construction of sexual violence in society, the possibilities of studying such violence in the family, the qualification of the behavior of juvenile victims of violence and the definition of the characteristics of criminals. The difficulties of studying the phenomenon of sexual violence against minors cannot but affect the protection measures for this group of the population. The state mainly uses criminal law measures to ensure the safety of children in the field of sexual integrity, but these measures are not always effective. A system of preventive measures based on a situational approach can be an addition to repressive measures.