7

This paper is based on a case study carried out using a theoretical point of view and research methods based on the principles of psychodynamics of work. It aims to discuss the defense strategies that the police officers use in their work with children and adolescents. The authors attempted to verify if these men and women develop different strategies faced with suffering. The underlying thesis is that the work of these agents is neither valued within the institution, nor by themselves, because it is “not really police work” based on a “warrior ethos,” a virile image, but instead it is a feminized work of care and protection. It is without heroism as it is not concerned with pursuing dangerous armed criminals, but with treating sexual abuse of children and adolescents which is most often committed by the people who are very close to the victims or members of the victim’s family.