Problem theme of (sexual) abuse of children in youth literature

In my diploma thesis I explored the theme of (sexual) abuse in youth literature. In the theoretical part of the thesis I first examined various definitions of (sexual) abuse in relation to the social context, historical period and cultural characteristics. I placed special emphasis on the subject of paedophilia, i.e., sexual abuse by viewing child pornography, inappropriate touching of pre-adolescent children or performing sexual acts with children (Repič, 2008, p. 269). I examined these thematic elements as they appear in the Slovene and foreign youth literature and gave particular attention to the theme of sexual abuse and the response to the sexual abuse of boys. Furthermore, I presented the work of two prominent personalities professionally dealing with this challenging topic: Ms Vlasta Nussdorfer, Human Rights Ombudsman, and Ms Neža Miklič, Head of Juvenile Crime Sector at Ljubljana Police Directorate. The task of all those employed in education (ZOFVI, Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 12/1996) is to act responsibly and adequately if they become aware that the child's emotional and physical development is in danger. I shed light on the in-depth knowledge of literary theory by the Slovenian literary historian dr. Alojzija Zupan Sosič, who defined and classified the distinguishing characteristics of romantic, erotic and pornographic literature. The empirical part of the thesis comprises the analysis and comparison of literary works from different periods.The aim of the thesis was to provide answers to research issues examined. According to my findings, (sexual) abuse is dealt with in both, domestic and foreign literature. In the past, (sexual) abuse was dealt with covertly or was presented as somewhat self-evident. The topic was not given particular attention. On the contrary, the contemporary youth literature deals with the topic quite openly and even younger readers have no difficulty recognizing the elements of sexual abuse. Contemporary picture books for children also include guidelines and instructions for recognizing and responding to (sexual) abuse. Unfortunately, the amount of trivial literature operating along consumerist lines and not taking the perspective of the child or the quality of the literary work into consideration has been on the increase