Sexual violence against Black girls: the silencing of the racial debate in national scientific production

Abstract

This article aims to analyse how national scientific production in the field of health discusses the ethnicracial issue in studies on sexual violence (SV) against girls. An integrative literature review was conducted, with thematic analysis of the selected studies. Searches were carried out in three indexed databases, covering the years 2013 to 2022. Fifty-seven articles were selected for analysis, organised into four thematic axes: 1. characterization of SV and the profile of children and adolescents; 2. repercussions and consequences of SV; 3. healthcare for SV victims and professionals’ perceptions; 4. Tthe quality and evolution of SV records, reports, and underreporting. Epidemiological studies predominate, yet not all even include the race/colour variable, despite the observed improvement in information quality during the period. The literature reveals a significant gap regarding racial discussion in SV studies, despite the increase in records involving Black girls. The absence of discussion on the impacts of racism and the lack of specific strategies to address the racial dimension of this issue are evident. The invisibility of violence against Black childhood diminishes the reach of actions to combat SV.