Magnitude and characteristics of revictimization through child sexual abuse in Chile

Objectives: In recognition of the vulnerable situation that children and adolescents face as victims of sexual crimes, this research, the first of its kind in Latin America, studies the magnitude and characteristics of revictimization through child sexual abuse. This study aimed to provide current statistics on revictimization through child sexual abuse in Chile. Methods: The study draws from a sample of 18,006 children and adolescent victims of sexual crimes. It examines cases reported in 2012 throughout Chile and encompasses all additional reports of sexual victimization filed by the same victims through January 2015. Information taken from the criminal case (SAF) database provided by the Chilean Prosecutor’s Office, and from National Service for Minors (Servicio Nacional de Menores, SENAME). Results: 12.2% of victims in the sample filed a new report during the period studied, on average 254 days after the first event was filed. In 40.1% of the cases, the perpetrator in the second case was the same as in the original victimization; however, in 59.9% of cases the perpetrator was a different person. Revictimization by the original perpetrator generally occurs sooner, within half of the time reported for a revictimization by a new perpetrator. Conclusions: The frequency of revictimization in child sexual abuse is similar to that seen in other regions but occurs within shorter time frames than those reported globally.