P107. Strengthening the Investigation of Child and Adolescent Homicides in Chile: Diagnosis, Challenges, and Proposals for an Effective Interinstitutional Response.

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

In Chile, in 2023, the homicide rate of children and adolescents increased by 23%, while the homicide rate in the adult population decreased by 8.3%. Actions are being implemented for characterization and prevention; however, little research has been conducted on the investigation and prosecution processes of these homicides and the challenges they present in achieving case resolution.
Due to this, a diagnostic study was conducted to analyze the criminal investigation and prosecution process in cases of homicides of children and adolescents in Chile, aiming to identify areas for improvement and strengthen the institutional response to these cases.
The research used a mixed-methods approach to address the limited evidence on the investigation and prosecution of child and adolescent homicides in Chile. The quantitative dimension analyzed data from 2018-2022 obtained from the Public Prosecutor's Office, the police, the Legal Medical Service, and the Ministry of Health, using descriptive statistics. The qualitative dimension included thematic analysis of documentary sources, meetings with key stakeholders, and a review of international best practices.
The study revealed a lack of depth and insufficient reporting in homicide statistics when the victims are children and adolescents. Additionally, common elements identified throughout the entire investigative process (detection, reporting, initial proceedings, investigation and prosecution, and judicial proceedings) included a lack of coordination between involved institutions, the absence of inter-agency protocols and technical standards, and insufficient specialized training and educational offerings for various system operators. These findings highlighted the need to explore the factors that may influence the quality and effectiveness of the investigative process in these cases, based on the experiences of system operators (emergency service personnel, police officers, prosecutors, and forensic doctors) in a second phase of the project.

Authors

• Carolina Sobarzo, Fundación Amparo y Justicia

• María Soledad Alvarez-Lister, Fundación Amparo y Justicia

• Carolina Pavez, Fundación Amparo y Justicia