This paper presents theoretically the phenomenon of sexual abuse perpetrated against children and adolescents by offenders of the domestic space (intrafamily) and strangers (extrafamily), in an interdisciplinary perspective, allowing the construction of a complex and broader view on the phenomenon. We attempted to understand the main concepts of violence and prerogatives which sustain the discussions of the child as a rights holder. The paper presents an overview with national and international data on violence against children and adolescents, and identifies the main guidelines based on Brazil's Federal Constitution from 1988, and the Child and Adolescent Act, 1990. Finally, we emphasize the importance of structuring the child and adolescence protection network as a horizontal strategy of power, with internal and external relations in institutions, which are dynamic and effective.