A utilização da técnica projetiva HTP como ferramenta de investigação psicológica em casos de abuso sexual infantil

Abstract

This work conducted an analysis of child sexual abuse, a severe violation of human rights that produces profound and long-lasting impacts on the emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social development of victims. Such experiences disrupt the sense of safety inherent to childhood, generating feelings of fear, guilt, and shame that hinder both disclosure and recognition of the violence, especially when the perpetrator belongs to the child's circle of trust. The methodology adopted was qualitative, using the monographic method based on a systematic and interpretative analysis of previously published materials (literature review). The central objective of the study was to examine the use of the projective technique House-Tree-Person (HTP) as a psychological investigation tool in situations of suspected or confirmed child sexual abuse. The results indicate that children’s drawings, as a projective technique, can serve as an auxiliary instrument for identifying and expressing experiences of violence, contributing to the improvement of psychological practices within Clinical Psychology and child protection contexts. The study concluded that it is essential to strengthen the use of projective strategies as complementary resources in child assessment, valuing clinical practices that promote symbolic expression, qualified listening, and comprehensive protection, fostering interventions that enhance the child’s autonomy and care in situations of violence.