SEXUAL CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF PEDOPHILIA IN THE CONTEXT OF HYPERSEXUALIZATION AND THE CULTURE OF SILENCE

This study focuses on the analysis of sexual crimes occurring in the virtual environment, especially against children, as the internet has evolved since the 1990s, introducing new forms of interaction and increasing risks for young people. Although there are national and international laws and treaties aimed at protecting children from sexual violence, the high number of cases reflects persistent challenges that require more robust public policies and an improvement in the justice system. The culture of silence, the hypersexualization of children, and the lack of sexual education contribute to the vulnerability of children. Thus, awareness, sexual education, and online monitoring are crucial to protect them and ensure a safe digital environment. This study seeks to understand the challenges in preventing and combating online sexual crimes against children, proposing policies and protective measures to mitigate these threats, in addition to also alerting parents, educators and health agents about the signs of pedophilia.