Child sexual exploitation becomes felony

A new law enacted by President Dilma Rousseff on Wednesday (May 21) will make sexual exploitation of children, adolescents or vulnerable persons a heinous crime (a serious or grossly wicked felony that carries the most severe penalties). It will already be in force by the time the FIFA World Cup begins on June 12.

On her Twitter, the president said that applying harsher penalties will help combat this type of crime. “Brazil now has strong legal backing to fight sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. I have sanctioned the law that makes this practice a heinous crime by imposing more severe sentences. This law makes us stronger to fight against a crime that hurts our children and casts shame on the country,” she posted on her personal account.

Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is legally defined as using them in for-profit sexual activities, child pornography, and sexually explicit public or private performances. Now that it is dealt with as a heinous crime, perpetrators are subject to four to ten years of imprisonment, applicable to accessories as well. Perpetrators are ineligible for bail or any form of amnesty, leniency, or Christmas home leave.

As Human Rights Minister Ideli Salvatti pointed out, the government is enhancing its capabilities to monitor and combat sexual exploitation of children and adolescents through its guardianship councils and other law enforcement bodies. Moreover, concerns can be reported by telephone on the Disque 100 hotline or online via the Proteja Brasil (Protect Brazil) mobile app, which provides the locations of the nearest police stations, guardianship councils, and other appropriate authorities.

The nationwide popular children's TV host Xuxa Meneghel, who became famous for campaigning for the legislation bill, attended the sanctioning ceremony at Palácio do Planalto. She expressed satisfaction that perpetrators will now be held accountable and punished with long jail times.

Translated by Mayra Borges