PROFILE OF FEMALE SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF SALVADOR, 2013-2018

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual violence, according to Fischer (1998), can be categorized as intrafamilial or extrafamilial. Extrafamilial violence is characterized by occurring outside the family environment and is performed by people the victim knows or by strangers (Valle, 2018). Such subtype of violence is the main subject this research aims to investigate. Objective: To calculate the incidence of sexual violence in the metropolitan region of Salvador. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was carried out with secondary data collected from cases of sexual violence registered at the Medico legal Institute Nina Rodrigues (IMLNR), from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. Results: 605 cases were included, 439 of which (72.56%) occurred in the municipality of Salvador. There was a higher incidence of sexual violence in the age group of 19 to 29 years (8.95 / 10,000 inhabitants). Most cases of rape investigated by the IMLNR occurred with women of brown color (77.9%), single (78%), with high school (38.3%) complete and residing in Salvador city (75.7%). Discussion: All the victims included in this study sought the IMLNR on their own and, therefore, a selection bias is possible, since one cannot guarantee that all the targeted population has files a complaint. Therefore, it is pertinent to consider that the results might be underestimated. Conclusion: Additional studies on sexual violence are needed to support public security policies. Keywords: Rape, Violence against Women, Sexual Violence.