THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FEAR AND STRESS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS EXPERIENCING SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Resumen

Sexual violence against children and adolescents constitutes a serious violation of human rights, with profound consequences for victims' psychological, emotional, social, and educational development. This study aims to analyze how fear and stress generated by the trauma of sexual violence affect the neuropsychological development and educational trajectory of children and adolescents. The study adopted a qualitative approach through a systematic literature review grounded in psychology, neuroscience, attachment theory, and education. The findings indicate that exposure to sexual violence triggers psychobiological responses, such as hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which compromise essential cognitive functions, leading to learning difficulties, social withdrawal, aggression, hypervigilance, and, in many cases, school dropout. Furthermore, the study highlights the insufficient training of teachers to identify and intervene in such cases, emphasizing the need for integrated public policies, school-based support protocols, and continuing professional development for education professionals. It is concluded that schools can and should play a central role within the child protection network by acting in the prevention, identification, and support of victims of sexual violence.