The special testimony in Santa Catarina: a reflection based on the Joint Resolution GP/CGJ N. 21/2020 of the State Coordination Of Childhood And Youth (CEIJ)

Abstract

This article investigates and evaluates the procedure for preparing, adapting and collecting the Special Testimony of children and adolescents in the State of Santa Catarina, based on Joint Resolution GP/CGJ n. 21, of August 25, 2020, presented by the State Coordination for Children and Youth (“CEIJ”), the unit responsible for structuring the Special Testimony in the Districts of Santa Catarina. The CEIJ Project aims to determine the need to establish physical spaces with adequate infrastructure for conducting the interview and for the audiovisual recording of the interviewees. For the proper execution of the respective procedural act, it is essential to prepare and train public servants and magistrates, as well as the existence of a suitable and adequate space. The purpose of this study is to analyze the adequacy of the State in the application of the Project on the Special Testimony and the possible consequences of not using the necessary protocols to carry out the procedure in relation to the revictimization of children and adolescents. The methodology used in this scientific article is qualitative with a deductive method of approach, starting from general principles and thoughts to form a particular idea on the subject, through bibliographical research and reading of texts, as well as the current Brazilian state legislation. It concludes the indispensability of the procedures studied for the hearing of the Special Testimony in order to avoid psychological consequences in a significant portion of children and adolescents, victims of sexual violence, as well as the fragility of public policies to properly execute the Special Testimony.