Evaluation of Brazilian Children's Picture Books on Sexual Abuse Prevention according to Literature Criteria

Abstract

There are many children's picture books addressing the topic of child sexual abuse. Such books are expected to have the potential of raising children's awareness on sexual abuse prevention. This paper evaluates children's picture books published in Brazil through an online questionnaire based on 27 criteria proposed in previous international studies. These criteria have the purpose of identifying features and/or issues that should be addressed in books that target sexual abuse prevention for children. Six books were selected and analysed by professionals from the area who completed an online assessment questionnaire. All selected books indicated potential for child sexual abuse prevention. Although none of the books presented all the criteria analysed, one stood out meeting 48% of the criteria. The results are discussed in terms of the recommended criteria, and according to specialists' agreement regarding the implementation potential of intervention strategies with young children.

Keywords:
Child sexual abuse prevention; child sexual abuse and children's books