Sexual violence Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
, , , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(11):661-675
, , , , , To assess the loss to follow-up after emergency care and during 6-months of outpatient follow-up, and the associated variables, among adolescent sexual violence survivors.
This is a retrospective study with review of the medical records of 521 females, aged 10 to 18 years, who received emergency care in a referral service in São Paulo, Brazil. The variables were sociodemographic; personal history; characteristics of abuse, disclosure, and reactions triggered after abuse (physical and mental disorders as well as social changes), psychotropic prescription needs, and moment of abandonment: after emergency care and before completing 6 months of outpatient follow-up. To compare groups of patients lost to follow-up at each time point, we used the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise criterion for selection of associated variables. We calculated the odds ratio with confidence interval (OR, CI 95%). The level of significance adopted was 5%.
A total of 249/521 (47.7%) adolescents discontinued follow-up, 184 (35.3%) after emergency care and 65 (12.4%) before completing outpatient follow-up. The variables of living with a partner (OR = 5.94 [CI 95%; 2.49–14.20]); not having a religion (OR = 2.38 [CI 95%;1.29–4.38)]), having a Catholic religion [OR = 2.11 (CI 95%; 1.17–3.78)]; and not disclosing the abuse [OR = 2.07 (CI 95%; 1.25–3.44)] were associated with loss to follow-up after emergency care. Not needing mental disorder care (OR = 2.72 [CI 95%; 1.36–5.46]) or social support (OR = 2.33 [CI 95%; 1.09–4.99]) were directly associated with loss to outpatient follow-up.
Measures to improve adherence to follow-up should be aimed at adolescents who live with a partner and those who do not tell anyone about the violence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2023;45(11):661-675
, , , , , To assess the loss to follow-up after emergency care and during 6-months of outpatient follow-up, and the associated variables, among adolescent sexual violence survivors.
This is a retrospective study with review of the medical records of 521 females, aged 10 to 18 years, who received emergency care in a referral service in São Paulo, Brazil. The variables were sociodemographic; personal history; characteristics of abuse, disclosure, and reactions triggered after abuse (physical and mental disorders as well as social changes), psychotropic prescription needs, and moment of abandonment: after emergency care and before completing 6 months of outpatient follow-up. To compare groups of patients lost to follow-up at each time point, we used the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests followed by multiple logistic regression with stepwise criterion for selection of associated variables. We calculated the odds ratio with confidence interval (OR, CI 95%). The level of significance adopted was 5%.
A total of 249/521 (47.7%) adolescents discontinued follow-up, 184 (35.3%) after emergency care and 65 (12.4%) before completing outpatient follow-up. The variables of living with a partner (OR = 5.94 [CI 95%; 2.49–14.20]); not having a religion (OR = 2.38 [CI 95%;1.29–4.38)]), having a Catholic religion [OR = 2.11 (CI 95%; 1.17–3.78)]; and not disclosing the abuse [OR = 2.07 (CI 95%; 1.25–3.44)] were associated with loss to follow-up after emergency care. Not needing mental disorder care (OR = 2.72 [CI 95%; 1.36–5.46]) or social support (OR = 2.33 [CI 95%; 1.09–4.99]) were directly associated with loss to outpatient follow-up.
Measures to improve adherence to follow-up should be aimed at adolescents who live with a partner and those who do not tell anyone about the violence.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(10):945-952
To analyze the cases of all women who attend to a service of legal termination of pregnancy in cases of sexual violence in a public reference hospital and to identify the factors related to its execution.
Cross-sectional observational study with information from medical records from January 2014 to December 2020. A total of 178 cases were included, with an evaluation of the data referring to the women who attended due to sexual violence, characteristics of sexual violence, hospital care, techniques used, and complications. The analysis was presented in relative and absolute frequencies, medians, means, and standard deviation. Factors related to the completion of the procedure were assessed using binary logistic regression.
Termination of pregnancy was performed in 83.2% of the cases; in 75.7% of the cases, the technique used was the association of transvaginal misoprostol and intrauterine manual aspiration. There were no deaths, and the rate of complications was 1.4%. Gestational age at the time the patient's sought assistance was the determining factor for the protocol not being completed. Pregnancies up to 12 weeks were associated with a lower chance of the interruption not occurring (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12–0.88), while cases with gestational age > 20 weeks were associated with a greater chance of the interruption not happening (OR: 29.93; 95%CI: 3.91–271.50).
The service studied was effective, with gestational age being the significant factor for resolution.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(10):945-952
To analyze the cases of all women who attend to a service of legal termination of pregnancy in cases of sexual violence in a public reference hospital and to identify the factors related to its execution.
Cross-sectional observational study with information from medical records from January 2014 to December 2020. A total of 178 cases were included, with an evaluation of the data referring to the women who attended due to sexual violence, characteristics of sexual violence, hospital care, techniques used, and complications. The analysis was presented in relative and absolute frequencies, medians, means, and standard deviation. Factors related to the completion of the procedure were assessed using binary logistic regression.
Termination of pregnancy was performed in 83.2% of the cases; in 75.7% of the cases, the technique used was the association of transvaginal misoprostol and intrauterine manual aspiration. There were no deaths, and the rate of complications was 1.4%. Gestational age at the time the patient's sought assistance was the determining factor for the protocol not being completed. Pregnancies up to 12 weeks were associated with a lower chance of the interruption not occurring (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12–0.88), while cases with gestational age > 20 weeks were associated with a greater chance of the interruption not happening (OR: 29.93; 95%CI: 3.91–271.50).
The service studied was effective, with gestational age being the significant factor for resolution.
, , , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):667-677
, , , , , , To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided.
A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%.
The early group (n= 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p< 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p= 0.031), in their residences (p< 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p< 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p= 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p= 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n= 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p= 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p= 0.033), sleep disorders (p= 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p= 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p= 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups.
The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2022;44(7):667-677
, , , , , , To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided.
A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%.
The early group (n= 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p< 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p= 0.031), in their residences (p< 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p< 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p= 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p= 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n= 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p= 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p= 0.033), sleep disorders (p= 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p= 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p= 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups.
The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(11):746-751
, , , , The aim of this study was to verify the existence of conscientious objection to comprehensive health care for the victim of sexual violence, as well as to understand the service structure of institutions authorized in the health care system for victims of sexual violence in the state of Minas Gerais.
This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical field study aiming to collect data from institutions authorized to assist victims of sexual violence in the state. The instrument was handed in to the coordinators of these services.
It was found that 11% have no physician in service and that 31% had no training for this type of care. It was revealed that 85% of these institutions have already encountered patients wishing to have a legal abortion, but 83% of them have not had their request granted. There was a 60% presence of conscientious objection by the entire medical team, the main reason being religious (57%).
The assistance system is not prepared for comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence, especially in terms of legal abortions, with conscientious objection being the main obstacle. A functional referral and counter-referral system is needed to alleviate such a serious and evident problem. It is hoped that the research results will promote dialogues in the state that favor appropriate actions on legal abortion, and respect the medical professional, in case of conscientious objection.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(11):746-751
, , , , The aim of this study was to verify the existence of conscientious objection to comprehensive health care for the victim of sexual violence, as well as to understand the service structure of institutions authorized in the health care system for victims of sexual violence in the state of Minas Gerais.
This is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical field study aiming to collect data from institutions authorized to assist victims of sexual violence in the state. The instrument was handed in to the coordinators of these services.
It was found that 11% have no physician in service and that 31% had no training for this type of care. It was revealed that 85% of these institutions have already encountered patients wishing to have a legal abortion, but 83% of them have not had their request granted. There was a 60% presence of conscientious objection by the entire medical team, the main reason being religious (57%).
The assistance system is not prepared for comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence, especially in terms of legal abortions, with conscientious objection being the main obstacle. A functional referral and counter-referral system is needed to alleviate such a serious and evident problem. It is hoped that the research results will promote dialogues in the state that favor appropriate actions on legal abortion, and respect the medical professional, in case of conscientious objection.
, , , , Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(9):547-554
, , , , To characterize the sociodemographic profile of women victims of sexual violence treated at a university hospital in southern Brazil.
The present cross-sectional study included all female victims of sexual violence who attended the sexual violence unit at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym) from April 18, 2000 to December 31, 2017.Data were extracted from the electronic record of the patients and stored in a standardized questionnaire database with epidemiological aspects of the victim, the perpetrators and the type of aggression. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test for trend and descriptive statistics with 95% confidence interval (CI).
During the length of the study, 711 women victims of sexual violence were treated. The mean age of the patients was 24.4 (±10) years old (range from 11 to 69 years old) and most of the victims were white (77.4%), single (75.9%) and sought care at the unit within 72 hours after the occurrence (80.7%). In most cases, violence was exerted by a single perpetrator (87.1%), who was unknown in 67.2% of cases. Victims < 19 years old showed a higher risk of not using contraception (relative risk [RR] = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.9-3.6).
Most victims of sexual violence were treated within 72 hours of the occurrence. The majority of these victims were white and young, and those < 19 years old had a higher risk of not using contraception and to know the sexual perpetrator.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2020;42(9):547-554
, , , , To characterize the sociodemographic profile of women victims of sexual violence treated at a university hospital in southern Brazil.
The present cross-sectional study included all female victims of sexual violence who attended the sexual violence unit at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA, in the Portuguese acronym) from April 18, 2000 to December 31, 2017.Data were extracted from the electronic record of the patients and stored in a standardized questionnaire database with epidemiological aspects of the victim, the perpetrators and the type of aggression. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test for trend and descriptive statistics with 95% confidence interval (CI).
During the length of the study, 711 women victims of sexual violence were treated. The mean age of the patients was 24.4 (±10) years old (range from 11 to 69 years old) and most of the victims were white (77.4%), single (75.9%) and sought care at the unit within 72 hours after the occurrence (80.7%). In most cases, violence was exerted by a single perpetrator (87.1%), who was unknown in 67.2% of cases. Victims < 19 years old showed a higher risk of not using contraception (relative risk [RR] = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.9-3.6).
Most victims of sexual violence were treated within 72 hours of the occurrence. The majority of these victims were white and young, and those < 19 years old had a higher risk of not using contraception and to know the sexual perpetrator.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(2):126-135
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000200009
Gender-based violence is related to the power imbalance between men and women that is present, to a greater or lesser degree, in all societies. It was recognized as a human rights problem by the UN relatively recently. It includes emotional, physical and sexual violence. Sexual violence is the extreme form of gender violence, usually accompanied by the other types of violence. Its prevalence is difficult to determine, but it most probably affects at least one third of women some time in their life. It has multiple consequences to women's physical and gynecological health, which depends in great part on the quality of the care the woman received immediately after the assault. Unfortunately, most emergency health services, including those in women's hospitals, are rarely prepared to provide the correct care for these women. Care should be multidisciplinary and involves crisis treatment, meticulous clinical examination with complementary auxiliary methods, treatment of physical lesions, prevention of pregnancy and of sexually transmitted infections and AIDS, and follow-up for at least six months after the aggression.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2006;28(2):126-135
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006000200009
Gender-based violence is related to the power imbalance between men and women that is present, to a greater or lesser degree, in all societies. It was recognized as a human rights problem by the UN relatively recently. It includes emotional, physical and sexual violence. Sexual violence is the extreme form of gender violence, usually accompanied by the other types of violence. Its prevalence is difficult to determine, but it most probably affects at least one third of women some time in their life. It has multiple consequences to women's physical and gynecological health, which depends in great part on the quality of the care the woman received immediately after the assault. Unfortunately, most emergency health services, including those in women's hospitals, are rarely prepared to provide the correct care for these women. Care should be multidisciplinary and involves crisis treatment, meticulous clinical examination with complementary auxiliary methods, treatment of physical lesions, prevention of pregnancy and of sexually transmitted infections and AIDS, and follow-up for at least six months after the aggression.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(9):539-544
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000900007
Purpose: some medical institutions have been prophylactically ministrating anti-HIV therapy in cases of sexual violence, although there are no appropriate basic facts to establish its efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acceptance, tolerance and adhesion of these women under a chemoprophylaxis plan for HIV. Methods: sixty-two women victims of rape and/or anal intercourse with unknown aggressors have been evaluated. Prophylaxis has been started within the first 48 h after violence and maintained for 4 weeks, with daily administration of zidovudine, 600 mg; indinavir, 2,400 mg and lamivudine, 300 mg. Results: the discontinuance rate was 24.2%, withe 12 cases (80%) due to gastric intolerance. The side effects were present in 43 cases (69.4%), including nausea and vomitting as the most frequent. Complex dosage and time of administration were factors possibly related to the inadequate use of the drugs in 10.6% of the cases. Conclusion: the authors concluded that the chemoprophylaxis discontinuance rate was similar to that observed in other indications.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 1999;21(9):539-544
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72031999000900007
Purpose: some medical institutions have been prophylactically ministrating anti-HIV therapy in cases of sexual violence, although there are no appropriate basic facts to establish its efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acceptance, tolerance and adhesion of these women under a chemoprophylaxis plan for HIV. Methods: sixty-two women victims of rape and/or anal intercourse with unknown aggressors have been evaluated. Prophylaxis has been started within the first 48 h after violence and maintained for 4 weeks, with daily administration of zidovudine, 600 mg; indinavir, 2,400 mg and lamivudine, 300 mg. Results: the discontinuance rate was 24.2%, withe 12 cases (80%) due to gastric intolerance. The side effects were present in 43 cases (69.4%), including nausea and vomitting as the most frequent. Complex dosage and time of administration were factors possibly related to the inadequate use of the drugs in 10.6% of the cases. Conclusion: the authors concluded that the chemoprophylaxis discontinuance rate was similar to that observed in other indications.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(3):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000300006
Purpose: to evaluate, in a Brazilian population, the possible association between history of sexual violence and some of the more frequent gynecologic complaints related by women. Methods: secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study in which 1838 women between 15 and 49 years of age were interviewed in their homes. They were residents of the cities of Campinas and Sumaré, in the state of São Paulo. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used, which allowed to characterize the interviewees' history of sexual violence, the existence of sexual dysfunctions and the presence of gynecologic symptoms in the year previous to the interview. The statistical differences were evaluated by the chi² test. Results: little more than one third (38.1%) of the women did not report history of sexual violence; 54.8% related that at least once they had had sexual intercourse against their will, without being forced to, although 23% mentioned some kind of coercion; 7.1% reported having been forced to have sex. Statistical association was found between history of sexual violence and the reference to gynecologic complaints and sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions: it was observed that even less aggressive forms of imposition of the man's will in the couple's sexual life were associated with a higher prevalence of the most frequent gynecologic complaints. The gynecologist must, therefore, have in mind this etiological factor which is rarely being considered at the present time.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2000;22(3):153-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000300006
Purpose: to evaluate, in a Brazilian population, the possible association between history of sexual violence and some of the more frequent gynecologic complaints related by women. Methods: secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study in which 1838 women between 15 and 49 years of age were interviewed in their homes. They were residents of the cities of Campinas and Sumaré, in the state of São Paulo. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used, which allowed to characterize the interviewees' history of sexual violence, the existence of sexual dysfunctions and the presence of gynecologic symptoms in the year previous to the interview. The statistical differences were evaluated by the chi² test. Results: little more than one third (38.1%) of the women did not report history of sexual violence; 54.8% related that at least once they had had sexual intercourse against their will, without being forced to, although 23% mentioned some kind of coercion; 7.1% reported having been forced to have sex. Statistical association was found between history of sexual violence and the reference to gynecologic complaints and sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions: it was observed that even less aggressive forms of imposition of the man's will in the couple's sexual life were associated with a higher prevalence of the most frequent gynecologic complaints. The gynecologist must, therefore, have in mind this etiological factor which is rarely being considered at the present time.