ACTIONS TO COMBAT SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN KINDERGARTEN SCHOOLS

Abstract

The article presents an experience report based on the actions developed in a university extension project aimed at producing strategies to combat sexual violence against children. The actions took place in Early Childhood Education schools and were attended by around 116 children, aged between four and five, and 14 adults, including teachers, therapeutic companions, inclusive school support professionals and a sign language interpreter. Conversation circles were held with the aim of listening to the teachers and building a space in which they felt comfortable talking about how they were affected by the issue; as well as six ludic circles with the children on the following themes: identifying feelings; children's human rights; consent; the body and aspects related to sexual violence. The results showed that the children had grasped the notion of consent, named the parts of their bodies, differentiated between appropriate and inappropriate touches and their contexts. For the continuation of the project, the intention is to include a dialog on racial and gender equality, as well as to bring families closer together. It is understood that sexual violence against children is combated through protection networks and collectively.