Objective:

To analyze current scientist literature advances about risk factors and symptomatology of sexual abuse in children and adolescents.

Method:

A literature review was conducted by consulting english and spanish documents available in APA PsycArticles, Dialnet, Springer and Science Direct databases. 27 research papers published between 2011 and 2020 was selected. They provide quantitative or qualitative information about risk factors and symptomatology of sexual abuse in children and adolescents.

Results:

Main findings describe risk factors associated with age groups, mainly between 6-7 and 12-13 years, types of reconstituted families, as well as the presence of caregivers different to parents. Short-term symptoms include abrupt changes in behavior, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, anguish, fear and guilt. In addition, physical injuries and somatic alterations are identified. In the long term, symptoms are associated with post-traumatic stress, suicidal behaviors, eating disorders, difficulties in social interaction and sometimes with drugs abuse.

Discussions:

Regarding risk factors, the use of social media is visible as a reference to be considered in current dynamics. However, the literature emphasizes the need to continue consolidating the analysis of these factors and their articulation with pertinent actions for the prevention and timely attention of abuse. Regarding symptomatology, there is evidence of progress in the short-term analysis, since not only the physical and physiological aspects are addressed, but also the psychosocial aspects. Similarly, the analysis of long-term symptomatology is mainly oriented to psychosocial processes.

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