Temporal trend and spatial distribution of reported sexual violence cases in Brazil between 2013 and 2022.

Abstract

The aim is to review the temporal trend and spatial distribution of reported cases of sexual violence in Brazil from 2013 to 2022. This is a mixed ecological study, descriptive of multiple groups, with a temporal trend analysis. Notifications of sexual violence from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases were reviewed. A total of 386,141 cases was recorded during the period. There was an annual increase of 3,387 cases (95%CI 2,276-4,498), which is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Acre was the state with the highest incidence rate. Victims' profile: predominantly female (88.5%), adolescents (44.6%) and children (30.6%), brown skin color (49.6%); the perpetrator was predominantly a close or family member (76.1%). There was a significant annual increase in cases of sexual violence in Brazil, revealing a worsening scenario over time, with a consequent increase in reporting. The North, Center-West, and South regions exhibited the highest sexual violence incidence rates.