Sexual crimes in the Ecuadorian educational system and its documentary, testimonial and expert evidence

Abstract

Introduction. School should be a safe space for children and adolescents. In Ecuador, the reality is different, since situations of sexual crimes are becoming public every time. Objective. Analyze the patterns and frequency of sexual crimes in the educational field of the province of Chimborazo, during the period from January 2014 to November 2023. Methodology. Qualitative approach, using hermeneutic, interpretive, historical, dogmatic, and logical methods. A bibliographic review was carried out as the main technique. Results. Many sexual crimes are not prosecuted because they do not fit the criminal category, resulting in a high rate of impunity. Among the recurring crimes are sexual abuse, harassment, rape, statutory rape and child and adolescent pornography. No relationship was found between the sexual crimes reported and the evidence presented. Conclusions. The high rate of impunity observed suggests a significant judicial under-reporting of sexual crimes. The findings highlight the urgent need to implement preventive and early intervention measures to address the recurrence of sexual crimes in the Equatorian educational system. Although no significant correlation was found between reported sexual crimes and the evidence presented, it highlights the importance of strengthening the methods of collecting and analyzing forensic evidence in these cases. General area of study: (Law). Specific area of study: Criminalistics and Forensic Sciences. Type of study: Original articles.