[Magnitude and characterization of sexual coercion experienced by young adults in three Brazilian state capitals: Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador].
The article estimates the magnitude of sexual coercion among young adults in three large Brazilian cities. In addition to evaluating prevalence, the article analyzes the victim's and perpetrator's characteristics, identifies the main strategies used in coercion, and explores the social scenarios that favor the occurrence of sexual violence. The article draws on data from a household survey called the GRAVAD Project, conducted in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador and completed in 2002. Interviews were applied to a stratified sample of males and females aged 18-24 years, with 4,634 respondents (47.2% males and 52.8% females). Prevalence of some lifetime experience as victims of sexual coercion was estimated at 16.5% for women and 11.1% for men. Victim's and perpetrator's age in the first episode, the type of relationship between them, and the forms of pressure varied between males and females. The magnitude of such events, differences between men and women, and the higher prevalence rates in certain population sub-groups demand immediate preventive policies and strategies.
de Moraes
Cláudia Leite
CL
Instituto de Medicina Social, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. clmoraes@ims.uerj.br
Cabral
Cristiane S
CS
Heilborn
Maria Luiza
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D001938:Brazil; D003068:Coercion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*