The Child Between Zero and Six Years old Victim of Sexual violence: a reflection on their testimony in court based on Vygotsky’s speech development

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the aspects of court testimony of children from zero to six years old, victims of sexual violence, based on Vygotsky's development of speech. It is based on epidemiological data, articles on the incidence of sexual abuse and on the current legislation. It is discussed the need to protect and not revictimise children. It is argued that early childhood should not be thought of as a block, because at around the age of three there is a qualitative transformation in the process of speech development and in higher psychological processes. The studies show that sexual violence in early childhood predominantly occurs within the household, and that the perpetrator may be a dear relative of the victim. Therefore, his report should be understood in its concrete and subjective dimensions, avoiding its revictimization. This theme is considered to be of great relevance for teachers, as they often receive spontaneous reports from children, or have the possibility to perceive situations of violence in their bodies.