Child violence reaches alarming numbers and constitutes a social and global health problem. In
this scenario, the importance of healthcare professionals being prepared to identify and address
cases of violence, as well as implement preventive actions, is emphasized. Objective: To
identify whether the themes of "violence" and "violence against children" are addressed in the
curricula of undergraduate Physical Education courses in Brazil. Method: This is a documental
research, of cross-sectional and descriptive nature, guided by the Strengthening the Reporting
of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) principles. Matrices and course syllabi
of undergraduate Physical Education courses in Brazil were analyzed. Data analysis was
performed through careful reading and examination of the collected materials, aiming to extract
information and organize and interpret it according to the objectives of this research. Results:
One hundred and eighty-two courses were included as a sample for this research. The majority
of the courses are offered in the Northeast region of Brazil. Two courses, one on-site and one
distance learning, offered by the same institution of higher education in the South region,
addressed the theme of violence in the title of a curriculum discipline, namely, "Physical
education and prevention of violence." Less than half of the courses covered the theme of
violence in their syllabi, and only two specifically addressed child abuse. Forty-three syllabi
included the theme of violence, with the majority being offered in courses located in the
Northeast region and categorized as mandatory disciplines. Among these, only two specifically
addressed violence against children. Conclusion: It is concluded that the theme of violence is
not present in most of the syllabi of Physical Education courses. Specifically, in regards to
violence against children, this content is rarely addressed in the syllabi. Thus, there are
weaknesses in the approach to content related to the confrontation of child violence in the
training of Physical Education teachers.
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