Sexual Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Psychopathological Characteristics in Women with Functional/Dissociative Seizures.

BACKGROUND: Functional/dissociative seizures (FDS), also known as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), are sudden, transient, and involuntary events that include motor, sensory, cognitive or autonomic function alterations. In this work we analyzed the psychopathological characteristics of a subgroup of women who suffer from FDS with the aim to analyze the role of psychological trauma, with special emphasis on trauma due to sexual abuse (SA). METHODS: Forty-five women diagnosed with FDS were included in the study (age range 18 to 64 years, mean = 34.7, standard deviation (SD) = 13.1). Clinical and psychopathological characteristics were reviewed. All patients have completed the clinical interviews, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID II) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) according to a special protocol for mental health assessment. Also, the history of sexual abuse trauma, the history of other non-sexual traumas and absence of history of trauma were reviewed. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the cases reported a history of trauma, and 40% reported a history of SA. Patients with a history of SA presented a significantly lower average age of seizure onset than patients with a history of other non-sexual traumas (p = 0.021). Significant associations were found between SA and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (p = 0.031), and SA and history of suicide attempts (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: SA carries serious implications for the mental health of women suffering from FDS. Mental health professionals must consider the history of this type of trauma to provide the necessary care for this patient population.

[The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of sexual violence against children and adolescents in the home environment in Brazil]. / Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na incidência de violência sexual domiciliar contra crianças e adolescentes no Brasil.

The scope of this article is to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of sexual violence against children and adolescents in the home environment in Brazil. It involves an ecological time-series study using joinpoint regression based on data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System from 2009 to 2021. The relative frequency and crude incidence rates of sexual violence occurring in the home against the population group aged 0 to 19 years were analyzed, estimating the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC), with a 95% confidence interval. The relative frequency of the problem was higher in 2020 (69.8%) and 2021 (71.7%), with an increase of 3.1% (p = 0.001) in 2017-2021. Girls were more affected, with rates rising in 2009-2012 (APC = 44.4; p = 0.010) and 2015-2019 (APC = 16.6; p=0.017) but falling in 2019-2021 (APC= -17.7; p = 0.042). All age groups showed a significant increase until 2019, and a reduction after this year for 5-9 years (APC = -18.6; p = 0.016), 10-14 years (APC = -14.1; p = 0.040) and 15-19 years (APC = -18.4; p = 0.021). The reduction in the incidence rates of this type of violence may have been influenced by the context of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the underreporting of cases.

O objetivo do artigo é identificar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na incidência de violência sexual de crianças e adolescentes no ambiente domiciliar no Brasil. Estudo ecológico de série temporal utilizando regressão joinpoint a partir de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, período 2009-2021. Analisaram-se frequência relativa e taxas brutas de incidência de violência sexual ocorrida na residência contra a população de 0 a 19 anos, estimando-se variação percentual anual (APC) e variação percentual anual média (AAPC), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. A frequência relativa do agravo obteve maiores valores em 2020 (69,8%) e 2021 (71,7%), com aumento de 3,1% (p = 0,001) em 2017-2021. As meninas foram mais atingidas, com elevação das taxas em 2009-2012 (APC = 44,4; p = 0,010) e 2015-2019 (APC = 16,6; p = 0,017), porém queda em 2019-2021 (APC = -17,7; p = 0,042). Todas as faixas etárias apresentaram aumento significativo até 2019, e redução após esse ano para 5-9 anos (APC = -18,6; p = 0,016), 10-14 anos (APC = -14,1; p = 0,040) e 15-19 anos (APC = -18,4; p = 0,021). A redução nas taxas de incidência desse tipo de violência pode ter sofrido influência do contexto de isolamento social na pandemia de COVID-19, que levou à subnotificação dos casos.

Underreporting of violence against women: an analysis of two data sources. / Subnotificação de violência contra as mulheres: uma análise de duas fontes de dados.

This article aims to estimate the underreporting of violence against women (VAW) in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), based on data from the National Survey of Health (NSH), in Brazil and subnational units (SU). This work was an ecological study using SINAN and NSH, both from 2019. In SINAN, reports of sexual, physical, and psychological VAW, aged 18 years or older, were selected. In the NSH, women of the same age group who reported psychological, physical, or sexual violence, and who had sought health care due to consequences of the violence were selected. SINAN underreporting was calculated in reference to the NSH's estimated population, for Brazil and each SU. Underreporting of VAW in Brazil was 98.5%, 75.9%, and 89.4% for psychological, physical, and sexual violence, respectively. The North and Northeast states presented the lowest reporting rates among the states. VAW in Brazil is highly underreported by the health sector, showing the need for adequate training of health professionals to recognize situations of violence and raise awareness of the importance of reporting.

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a subnotificação da violência contra as mulheres (VCM) no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) a partir de dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), para o Brasil e as unidades federadas (UF). Estudo ecológico utilizando o SINAN e a PNS, ambos do ano de 2019. No SINAN, foram selecionadas as notificações de casos de violências sexual, física e psicológica contra mulheres com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Na PNS, foram selecionadas as mulheres da mesma faixa etária com relato de violência psicológica, física ou sexual que tenham procurado atendimento em saúde em razão de consequência relacionada à violência vivida. Calculou-se a subnotificação do SINAN a partir da estimativa da população da PNS para o Brasil e cada UF. A subnotificação de VCM no Brasil foi de 98,5%, 75,9% e 89,4% para as violências psicológica, física e sexual, respectivamente. Os estados do Norte e Nordeste apresentaram os menores índices de notificação entre as UF. A VCM no Brasil apresenta grande subnotificação no setor saúde, demonstrando a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais de saúde para o reconhecimento de situações de violência e conscientização da importância da notificação.

[Evaluation of the state and implementation of the Hospital Clinical Forensic Units in Chile]. / Evaluación del estado e implementación de las Unidades Clínico Forense Hospitalarias en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Sexual violence has a several negative impact on women's health. Thus, the health system is a gateway for the multisector response to victims. In 2018, the Clinical Forensic Hospital Units (UCFH) in Chile were launched for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the state of implementation of the UCFH in the health services (HS) in Chile. METHOD: This is a quantitative descriptive, cross-sectional study. A survey was designed and applied through the Google Forms platform to the managers of the care and prevention network for victims of sexual violence (VSV) of each SS. The contact of each manager was requested by each HS in three ways: transparency law, lobby law, and telephone. Each HS was classified according to the existence or not of UCFH and for each unit the availability of resources was evaluated according to the recommendations of the Technical Standard of Attention to VSV of the Ministry of Health. Also, the functioning of each unit during the pandemic was evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 29 HSs responded, of which 12 reported having UCFH. Of the 12 units, 50% had complete infrastructure, 58.3% had complete instruments, none had full human resources, 50% had partial HR, 50% had sampling complete, and 58. 3% had full health benefits. The function during the pandemic was affected in 25% of the units. CONCLUSION: Challenges persist in the implementation of the UCFH, with special limitations in the availability of human resources.

Caracterização epidemiológica de violência sexual no sudeste da região norte do brasil / Epidemiological characterization of sexual violence in southeast of northern Brazil / Caracterización epidemiológica de la violencia sexual en el sureste del norte de Brasil

Introdução: A violência sexual é qualquer ato físico, coercivo, de intimidação com potencial psicológico contra outra pessoa, ocorrendo, especialmente,no sexo feminino, em qualquer faixa etária.Objetivo: Apresentar uma caracterização epidemiológica dos casos de violência sexual referente ao número de casos, faixa etária e gênero entre período de 2014 a 2019 no município de Tucuruí-Pará.Métodos:Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo, comparativo e retrospectivo de corte transversal. A coleta dos dados foi realizada através de notificações em protocolos dos órgãos do governo estadual e do governo municipal, na cidade de Tucuruí-Pará.Para análise dos dados, foram utilizados o teste Exato de Fisher e teste de Mann Whitney.Resultados:A instituição com maior número de notificações foi pelo instrumento Estadual, com 771 casos notificados durante o período de 2014 a 2019, (∆%=631%; p<0,001) em relação ao instrumento municipal, que apresentou o total de 140 casos notificados. Quanto a diferença de gênero, as mulheres são as mais atingidas por este tipo de violência em ambos os órgãos analisados, assim como, com respeito a faixa etária mais acometida, a infância, adolescência e adultos jovens são os que mais sofrem com o problema da violência sexual, de acordo com os dados de ambos os órgãos.Conclusão: O perfil da violência sexual no município de Tucuruí é predominante entre mulheres, da faixa etária que vai desde a infância até a fase adulta. Os dados utilizados das duas instituições durante o período de estudo apresentaram diferenças estatísticas, sendo o instrumento de notificações Estadual o órgão com maior número de notificações em todas as comparações realizadas (AU).

Introduction: Sexual violence is any physical, coercive act of intimidation with psychological potential against another person, occurring especially among females, in any age group.Objective: Present an epidemiological characterization of cases of sexual violence regarding the number of cases, age group and gender between 2014 and 2019 in the municipality of Tucuruí-Pará.Methods: This is a descriptive, comparative and retrospective cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out through notifications in protocols of state and municipal government agencies, in the city of Tucuruí-Pará.For data analysis, Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney test were used.Results: The institution with the highest number of notifications was by the State instrument, with 771 cases notified during the period 2014 to 2019, (∆%=631%; p<0.001) compared to the municipal instrument, which presented a total of 140 cases notified. As for the gender difference, women are the most affected by this type of violence in both bodies analyzed, as well as, with respect to the most affected age group, childhood, adolescence and young adults are the ones who suffer most from the problem of sexual violence, according to data from both bodies. Conclusion: The profile of sexual violence in the city of Tucuruíis predominant among women, in the age group that goes from childhood to adulthood. The data used from the two institutions during the study period showed statistical differences, with the State notification instrument being the body with the highest number of notifications in all comparisons performed (AU).

Introducción: La violencia sexual es cualquier acto físico y coercitivo de intimidación con potencial psicológico contra otra persona,que ocurre especialmente entre mujeres, en cualquier grupo de edad.Objetivo:Presentar una caracterización epidemiológica de los casos de violencia sexual en cuanto al número de casos, grupo etario y género entre 2014 y 2019 en el municipio de Tucuruí-Pará. Métodos:Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivo, comparativo y retrospectivo. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de notificaciones en protocolos de organismos gubernamentales estatales y municipales, en la ciudad de Tucuruí-Pará. Parael análisis de los datos se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher y la prueba de Mann Whitney. Resultados:La institución con mayor número de notificaciones fue por el instrumento Estatal, con 771 casos notificados durante el período 2014 a 2019, (∆%=631%; p<0,001) frente al instrumento municipal, que presentó un total de 140 casos notificados. En cuanto a la diferencia de género, las mujeres son las más afectadas por este tipo de violencia en ambos cuerpos analizados, así como, respecto al grupo de edad más afectado, la infancia, la adolescencia y los adultos jóvenes son quienes más sufren el problema de la violencia sexual, según datos de ambos organismos. Conclusión:El perfil de violencia sexual en la ciudad de Tucuruí es predominante entre las mujeres, enel grupo etario que va desde la niñez hasta la edad adulta. Los datos utilizados de las dos instituciones durante el período de estudio mostraron diferencias estadísticas, siendo el instrumento de notificación del Estado el organismo con mayor número de notificaciones en todas las comparaciones realizadas (AU).

Ecological approach to the characteristics and determinants of sexual violence against adolescents in Perú / Aproximación ecológica a las características y factores determinantes de la violencia sexual contra adolescentes en Perú.

Introduction. Sexual violence against adolescents is a global problem that affects young people around the world. The ecological model examines its forms and determinants through interconnected levels. Objective. To determine the frequency, characteristics, and predictors of sexual violence in adolescents attending school in Perú. Materials and methods. This was a cross-sectional study that secondarily analyzed data from the Encuesta Nacional de Relaciones Sociales (2019). A stratified probabilistic sample involved 1,579 youth aged 12-17 from 93 schools. The questionnaire evaluated physical, psychological, and sexual violence in the family and at school. Models were estimated using logistic regression analysis, calculating odds ratio (OR). Results. Eighteen point sixty eight per cent (95% CI: 16.80-20.60) suffered some type of sexual assault. In addition, 9.75% (95% CI: 8.28-11.21) reported having been touched in some part of the body and 1.84% (95% CI: 1.17-2.50) reported that was a victim of rape. Age was identified as a risk factor in the microsystem (OR = 1.48) (95% CI: 1.26-1.74), while the age of the first experienced sexual violence acted as a protective factor (OR = 0.61) (95% CI: 0.54-0.69). In addition, in the macrosystem, the perception that violence occurs mainly outside the home increased the risk (OR = 2.06) (95% CI: 1.01-4.19). Conclusions. Approximately two out of ten respondents reported having experienced some type of sexual violence, with verbal harassment and invasive personal contact being the most common. No single level or factor can fully explain adolescent sexual violence without considering its ecological interconnectedness.

Introducción. La violencia sexual contra los adolescentes es un problema global que afecta a jóvenes de todo el mundo. El modelo ecológico examina sus formas y factores determinantes a través de niveles interconectados. Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia, las características y los predictores de la violencia sexual contra adolescentes escolarizados en Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal en el cual se analizaron de manera secundaria los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Relaciones Sociales (2019). Una muestra probabilística estratificada incluyó a 1.579 jóvenes de 12 a 17 años de 93 escuelas. Con el cuestionario se evaluó la violencia sexual en la familia y en la escuela. Se estimaron modelos mediante análisis de regresión logística, calculando la razón de momios (odds ratio, OR). Resultados. El 18,68 % (IC95%: 16,80-20,60) sufrió algún tipo de agresión sexual. Además, el 9,75 % (IC95%: 8,28-11,21) informó haber sido tocado en alguna parte del cuerpo y el 1,84 % (IC95%: 1,17-2,50) informó que fue víctima de violación. La edad se identificó como factor de riesgo en el microsistema (OR=1,48) (IC95%: 1,26-1,74), mientras que la edad de la primera violencia sexual actuó como factor protector (OR=0,61) (IC95%: 0,54-0,69). Además, en el macrosistema, la percepción de que la violencia ocurre principalmente fuera del hogar incrementó el riesgo (OR=2,06) (IC95%: 1,01-4,19). Conclusión. Aproximadamente, dos de cada diez encuestados informaron haber experimentado algún tipo de violencia sexual, siendo el acoso verbal y el contacto personal invasivo los más comunes. Ningún nivel del modelo ecológico o factor único puede explicar completamente la violencia sexual contra los adolescentes sin considerar su interconexión ecológica.

Lifetime sexual violence among transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil: Prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with sexual violence in transgender women and travestis (TGW) in Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Brazilian cities (Campo Grande, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Salvador, and São Paulo) between 2019 and 2021. Participants were recruited using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique. The outcome of interest is the self-reported experience of sexual violence throughout the respondents' lifetime. We evaluated the actions taken by victims of sexual violence and how they dealt with the experience. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors (such as race, income, drug use, sex work, and access to healthcare) and the outcome. RESULTS: A total of 1,317 TGW were interviewed. Among them, 53% (n=698) reported experiencing sexual violence. For 64.4% (n=419) of the respondents, sexual violence occurred on more than one occasion. The majority of TGW did not seek health services (93.2%, n=648), disclose the violence (93.9%, n=653), nor seek support from family or friends (86.5%, n=601). A higher prevalence of sexual violence was associated with homelessness (adjusted prevalence ratio - aPR=1.69, 95% confidence interval - 95%CI 1.01-2.84), a history of engaging in sex work (aPR=2.04, 95%CI 1.46-2.85), self-reporting regular, bad, or very bad emotional health (aPR=1.67, 95%CI 1.28-2.19), and experiencing difficulties accessing health services in the previous year (aPR=2.78, 95%CI 1.74-4.43). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of sexual violence, analyzed together with the actions of the victims, indicates a context of high vulnerability and low institutional support. In this scenario, violence can be exacerbated, resulting in severe health consequences.

Feelings expressed by professionals caring for children and teenagers victims of sexual violence.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the feelings expressed by health professionals when caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence from the theoretical perspective of Symbolic Interactionism. METHOD: qualitative research carried out with 30 female health professionals. An instrument was used consisting of closed questions for sociodemographic data and a script with open questions for interviews. The data was organized and analyzed using Nvivo software version 12, according to Bardin's proposal, from the perspective of Symbolic Interactionism in the work of Charles Morris. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: five thematic categories emerged, revealing feelings of empathy, fear, indignation, suffering, and consternation. These feelings remained in the interviewees' memories, making caring for child and adolescent victims of sexual violence a moving and difficult experience that deeply marks the life of the health professional. CONCLUSION: there is a need to adopt strategies to support the mental health of professionals who work in services that provide general care to children and adolescents, considering that there is a possibility that they will provide care to child and adolescent victims of sexual violence in compliance with pre-existing public policies. HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Feelings stem from individual impressions in line with social interaction. (2) Caring for child and adolescent victims has a negative impact on professionals' emotions. (3) Service managers need to pay attention to the health of professionals who assist victims.

Development of Trinidad and Tobago’s first National Clinical and Policy Guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence / Elaboración de las primeras directrices políticas y clínicas nacionales sobre violencia de pareja y violencia sexual de Trinidad y Tobago / Elaboração das primeiras diretrizes clínicas e orientações sobre políticas de âmbito nacional para violência por parceiro íntimo e violência sexual de Trinidad e Tobago

[SUMMARY]. This Special Report aims to outline the development process of the first National Clinical and Policy guidelines on Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence in Trinidad and Tobago and to support the implementation of quality standards for survivors. The study used an implementation science approach to identify key evidence-based practice recommendations from guidance documents on health care for women who are subjected to violence and from relevant national legislation, policy, and practices. The process engaged stakeholders in discussions on the appropriateness, implementation, and use of these recommendations in the context of local health care delivery. Multidisciplinary teams of frontline health workers were consulted in groups in each of the five Regional Health Authorities. Interviews were held with senior government stakeholders responsible for health policy and with representatives of four civil society agencies. Participants provided recommendations to integrate quality standards into routine practice. These were incorporated into the guidelines, which include human rights principles and pathways of care for identifying violence, providing psychosocial and clinical care, safety planning, referrals, care during emergencies, and prevention of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. The guidelines were approved by the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago on 15 August 2022. Training of trainers has been undertaken to support implementation.

[RESUMEN]. El objetivo de este informe especial es describir el proceso de elaboración de las primeras directrices políticas y clínicas nacionales sobre violencia de pareja y violencia sexual en Trinidad y Tabago, así como brindar apoyo para la aplicación de normas de calidad dirigidas a las personas supervivientes. El estudio utilizó un enfoque de ciencia de implementación para hallar recomendaciones prácticas clave basadas en la evidencia a partir de documentos de orientación sobre atención de salud para mujeres víctimas de violencia, así como de las leyes, políticas y prácticas nacionales pertinentes. El proceso involucró a las partes interesadas en las deliberaciones sobre la idoneidad, la puesta en práctica y el uso de estas recomendaciones en el contexto de la prestación de servicios de salud locales. Se realizaron consultas grupales a equipos multidisciplinarios de trabajadores de salud de primera línea de cada una de las cinco autoridades regionales de salud. Se mantuvieron entrevistas con funcionarios gubernamentales con cargos de responsabilidad en materia de políticas de salud y con representantes de cuatro organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Los participantes proporcionaron recomendaciones para integrar las normas de calidad en la práctica habitual. Estas recomendaciones se incorporaron a las directrices, que incluyen principios de derechos humanos y protocolos asistenciales para detectar la violencia, prestación de atención psicosocial y clínica, diseño de planes de seguridad, derivación de los casos, atención durante emergencias y prevención de la violencia de pareja y la violencia sexual. Las directrices fueron aprobadas por el Ministerio de Salud de Trinidad y Tabago el 15 de agosto del 2022. Se ha llevado a cabo la capacitación de formadores a fin de brindar apoyo para su puesta en práctica.

[RESUMO]. O objetivo deste relatório especial é resumir o processo de elaboração das primeiras diretrizes clínicas e orientações sobre políticas de âmbito nacional para violência por parceiro íntimo e violência sexual de Trinidad e Tobago, bem como apoiar a implementação de padrões de qualidade para sobreviventes. O estudo utilizou uma abordagem científica de implementação para identificar as principais recomendações de práticas baseadas em evidências, derivadas de documentos de orientação sobre atenção à saúde para mulheres vítimas de violência e de leis, políticas e práticas nacionais pertinentes. O processo envolveu as partes interessadas em discussões sobre adequação, implementação e uso dessas recomendações no contexto da prestação de serviços de saúde em nível local. Em cada uma das cinco autoridades regionais de saúde, equipes multidisciplinares de profissionais de saúde na linha de frente foram consultadas em grupo. Foram entrevistadas partes interessadas da alta administração do governo que eram responsáveis pela política de saúde e representantes de quatro organizações da sociedade civil. Os participantes fizeram recomendações para integrar padrões de qualidade à prática de rotina. Tais recomendações foram incorporadas às diretrizes, que incluem princípios de direitos humanos e percursos assistenciais para identificação de violência, oferta de atenção psicossocial e clínica, planejamento da segurança, encaminhamentos, cuidados durante emergências e prevenção de violência por parceiro íntimo e violência sexual. As diretrizes foram aprovadas pelo Ministério da Saúde de Trinidad e Tobago em 15 de agosto de 2022. Realizou-se capacitação de instrutores para apoiar a implementação.

Sexual Victimization and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents and Young Adults in Haiti.

Sexual assault victims are at major risk of being infected by sexually transmitted infections (STI). This article aims to examine and compare the prevalence of eight STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, human papillomavirus) among victims and non-victims of sexual abuse. A national cross-sectional study was conducted in Haiti, using a multistage sampling frame, stratified by geographical department, urban or rural setting, gender, and age groups (15-19 and 20-24 years). The final sample included 3586 household participants (47.6% female). A weighted sample of 3945 individuals was obtained and used in the following analyses. Overall, 21.75% (95% CI 19.91-23.59) of participants reported having been diagnosed with at least one STI in their lifetime, with a higher prevalence among men (25.70%; 95% CI 22.89-28.52), compared to women (18.11%; 95% CI 15.73-20.49), χ2 = 16.43; p < 0.001). Sexual abuse victims were more likely to report STIs (31.27%; 95% CI 29.21-33.34), compared to non-victims (18.40%; 95% CI 16.68-20.13), χ2 = 27.89; p < .001. Sexual abuse was associated to an increased risk of contracting at least one STI (OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.35, 2.24). The results demonstrate that sexual abuse is associated with a general increase of reporting STIs. They indicate the need for national sexual abuse prevention programs at early ages. These programs should be implemented in schools and churches, focusing on the role of families in sexuality education. Finally, programs must be developed to eradicate community violence-especially in the cities-as increased political and social violence has always been associated with increased sexual abuse in Haiti.

Traumatic experiences and place of occurrence: An analysis of sex differences among a sample of recently arrived immigrant adults from Latin America.

With increasing violence, political, and economic instability in Latin America, there is a record number of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border. Latin American migrants are often exposed to traumatic events before leaving their home country and during migration. While prior studies document that sex may play a role in types of traumatic exposure, few studies compare differences in traumatic exposure by sex and place of occurrence of recently arrived immigrants. Addressing this gap, we recruited 120 adults who had recently crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Participants completed questionnaires to characterize trauma exposures in their home country and during their migration journey. Results found that men reported higher levels of exposure to combat situations, while women were more likely to experience sexual assault. Both combat exposure and sexual traumas occurred more often in home countries than during migration. More than half of the full sample reported being threatened with a firearm. These data confirm gender differences in type of trauma and that exposures in the country of origin may provide the impetus to migrate.

[Legal abortion in cases of sexual violence pregnancy: perceptions and experiences of obstetricians]. / O aborto legal em casos de gravidez decorrente de violência sexual: percepções e vivências de médicas e médicos obstetras.

This study aimed to analyze the perceptions of obstetricians and gynecology-obstetrics residents at a federal school maternity hospital regarding legal abortion in cases of sexual violence pregnancy, understand their motivations, strengths, and feelings, and identify their experience with this topic. The first stage consisted of answering a self-administered questionnaire. The selection criteria were: obstetricians linked to the obstetric center, director of the medical division, and residents of the institution's obstetrics-gynecology program. In total, 36 questionnaires were answered and returned. The second stage corresponded to an interview using a saturation sampling criterion. Six physicians were interviewed. The interviews were evaluated using a thematic content analysis. The questionnaires showed that all participants had already provided care to women in situations of sexual violence and that most of them had already participated in a legal abortion procedure in these cases. The interviews highlighted the dilemmas faced by professionals in providing care to these women and the lack of professional training to handle these cases. The speeches of women were sometimes seen as an object of suspicion regarding the veracity of sexual violence, and sometimes as an object that caused professionals to feel emotionally affected while listening to them, allowing professionals to approach the victims and offer more humanized care. The results pointed to the importance of addressing this topic in the areas of health and providing training beyond the technical-scientific focus in order to support the development of new care strategies.

Este estudo objetivou analisar as percepções de obstetras e residentes de ginecologia-obstetrícia, atuantes numa maternidade escola federal, sobre o aborto legal em casos de gravidez decorrente de violência sexual, desvelando suas motivações, resistências e sentimentos, e identificando suas experiências com o tema. A primeira etapa correspondeu ao preenchimento de um questionário autoaplicável. Os critérios de seleção foram: obstetras vinculados ao centro obstétrico; diretor da divisão médica; e residentes do programa de ginecologia-obstetrícia da instituição. Obtiveram-se 36 questionários respondidos. A segunda etapa correspondeu à realização de uma entrevista, tendo sido utilizado o critério de amostragem por saturação e foram entrevistados seis médicos. As entrevistas foram analisadas pelo método de análise de conteúdo, na modalidade temática. Os questionários retrataram que todos os participantes já haviam prestado assistência a mulheres em situação de violência sexual e que a maioria já havia participado da realização de um aborto legal. As entrevistas evidenciaram os dilemas enfrentados pelos profissionais na assistência a esses casos e a escassez da formação profissional em relação à temática. A palavra da mulher foi tida ora como objeto de suspeição em relação à veracidade do estupro, ora como capaz de suscitar afetação das profissionais em suas escutas, o que possibilitou que essas se aproximassem das vítimas e ofertassem uma assistência mais humanizada. Os resultados apontaram para a importância da temática ser abordada nos campos da saúde e da formação para além do enfoque técnico-científico, visando produzir novas estratégias de cuidado.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las percepciones de obstetras y residentes de gineco-obstetricia de una maternidad escolar federal sobre el aborto legal en casos de embarazo resultante de violencia sexual, revelar sus motivaciones, resistencias y sentimientos, e identificar sus experiencias con el tema. La primera etapa consistió en completar un cuestionario autoadministrado. Los criterios de selección fueron los siguientes: obstetras vinculados al centro obstétrico; director de la división médica; y residentes del programa de gineco-obstetricia de la institución. Se obtuvieron 36 cuestionarios cumplimentados. La segunda etapa consistió en una entrevista, utilizando un criterio de muestreo por saturación. Se entrevistó a 6 médicos. Las entrevistas se analizaron mediante el método de análisis de contenido, en la modalidad temática. Los cuestionarios mostraron que todos los participantes ya habían brindado asistencia a mujeres en situación de violencia sexual y que la mayoría ya había participado en la realización de un aborto legal en estos casos. Las entrevistas pusieron de manifiesto los dilemas que enfrentan los profesionales en la asistencia a estos casos y la escasa formación profesional con relación al tema. La palabra de la mujer fue vista a veces como objeto de sospecha con respecto a la veracidad de la violación, y a veces como un objeto capaz de suscitar la afectación de las profesionales en sus escuchas, lo que les permitió acercarse a las víctimas y ofrecer una asistencia más humanizada. Los resultados señalaron la importancia de que la temática sea abordada en los campos de la salud y de la formación más allá del enfoque técnico-científico, con el objetivo de producir nuevas estrategias de cuidado.

Profiles of mental illness in college students and associated factors: A latent class analysis.

Mental illness among university students poses a pressing challenge for educational institutions, urging the need for strategies that foster health and mitigate mental distress, with an emphasis on preventing suicide. Our study sought to discern the profiles of mental illness among college students and explore the factors associated with them. We examined data from 918 students at a Brazilian Federal Institute, utilizing Latent Class Analysis and multinomial regression for our analyses. We identified three distinct mental illness profiles: Anxiety with Low Suicide Risk; Mental Illness with Moderate Suicide Risk; and Mental Illness with High Suicide Risk. We observed a reduced association of these profiles with religious beliefs. Conversely, there was a heightened association with cisgender women, individuals identifying as LGBTQI+, those with learning disabilities, and victims of sexual violence. Our findings underscore the importance of tailored prevention and health promotion programs to enhance student well-being. There's a compelling need to devise mental health strategies tailored to the specific needs of the identified groups, particularly students from the LGBTQI + community, survivors of sexual abuse, and those grappling with learning disabilities.

Adult ADHD Symptoms in a Large Metropolitan Area From Brazil: Prevalence and Associations with Psychiatric Comorbidity, Bullying, Sexual Abuse, and Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and psychiatric correlates of symptomatic ADHD in a large metropolitan area of a middle-income country. METHODS: An in-person household survey with randomly selected 2,297 adults aged 19 to 60 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, assessed by trained lay interviewers. The Adult Self-Rating Scale Screener (ASRS-6) was used. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS: ADHD prevalence was 4.59 (95% CI [3.56, 5.44]). Those with ADHD were younger and more often unemployed; they displayed more psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse) and a history of bullying and sexual abuse. They also had worse physical health indicators. Findings remained significant when controlling for socioeconomic variables. CONCLUSION: Adults with symptomatic ADHD from a large metropolitan area in Brazil show a pattern of findings consistent with what has been observed in higher-income countries.

Violência sexual infantojuvenil no Brasil: um panorama de seus determinantes e da maneira como se relacionam / Child and adolescent sexual violence in Brazil: an overview of its determinants and the way they are related

Objetivo: cconstruir um panorama diagnóstico da violência sexual infantojuvenil assistida no sistema de saúde no Brasil. Métodos: estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com dados do Ministério da Saúde a respeito da violência sexual infantojuvenil no Brasil, no período de 2010 a 2021. Foram conduzidas análises de estatística descritiva e multivariadas, por meio das técnicas de Análise de Correspondências Múltiplas e de Clusterização Hierárquica. Resultados: observou-se grande importância associada à presença de vítimas do sexo feminino, solteiras, adolescentes, que têm práticas sexuais apenas com homens, em ambiente residencial, na ausência de ex-cônjuge, patrão, madrasta ou cuidador no momento da ocorrência. Notou-se também, importância associada aos casos de recorrências, à coocorrência de violência física e psicológica, bem como relacionada à participação de pais, namorados e conhecidos como violentadores. Além disso, identificou-se que as ocorrências em via pública parecem estar mais associadas a vítimas de baixa escolaridade. Conclusão: a violência sexual infantojuvenil no Brasil se estabelece, portanto, como um importante problema social, cultural, de segurança e saúde pública. Foi possível explorar os principais parâmetros associados às ocorrências no país, permitindo, assim, a possibilidade de sua aplicação em ferramentas e serviços de assistência.

Objective: build a diagnostic overview of child and adolescent sexual violence assisted in the health system in Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional, analytical study carried out with data from the Ministry of Health regarding child and adolescent sexual violence in Brazil from 2010 to 2021. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted using Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering. Results: there was great importance associated with the presence of female victims, singles, and teenagers who have sexual practices only with men in a residential environment, in the absence of a former spouse, boss, stepmother, or caregiver at the time of the occurrence. It was also noted the importance associated with cases of recurrence, the co-occurrence of physical and psychological violence, as well as related to the participation of parents, boyfriends, and acquaintances as perpetrators. Furthermore, it was identified that incidents on public roads seem to be more associated with victims with low education. Conclusion: child and adolescent sexual violence in Brazil is, therefore, established as an important social, cultural, safety, and public health problem. It was possible to explore the main parameters associated with occurrences in the country, thus allowing the possibility of its application in assistance tools and services.

Repercussões psicológicas de adultos que sofreram abuso sexual na infância / Psychological repercussions of adults who suffered sexual abuse in childhood

Objetivo: correlacionar o abuso sexual na infância com as repercussões psicológicas na idade adulta, das vítimas e destacar a importância de abordar o despreparo do sistema judiciário, a culpabilização das vítimas e as falhas no acesso à educação e à informação sobre sexualidade. Métodos: uma revisão de literatura foi conduzida utilizando métodos descritivos e analíticos, com a utilização de dados publicados nos últimos 10 anos, nas bases de dados PubMed e Scielo Brasil. Resultados: foram selecionados 13 artigos do PubMed e 10 artigos do Scielo Brasil para análise. Observa-se que o abuso sexual na infância tem repercussões que vão além do nível psicológico e cognitivo, afetando outras áreas, como mudanças na estrutura cerebral, problemas de saúde física, desenvolvimento de comportamentos de risco e dificuldades em estabelecer relações sociais, além de redução na expectativa de vida. Conclusões: são muitos os impactos negativos na vida de vítimas de abuso sexual infantil. O cuidado físico e psicológico voltado às vítimas de abuso infantil vai além da infância, demandando atenção nos anos subsequentes e durante a vida adulta, uma vez que o trauma repercute de formas diferentes, gerando repercussões negativas na qualidade de vida dos abusados. Verifica-se a necessidade de implementação de estratégias de ensino e capacitação para profissionais da área da educação, a fim de identificar e denunciar casos de violência sexual, bem como a imprescindibilidade em criar espaços para abordagem desse tema nas escolas.

Objectives: to correlate sexual abuse in childhood with the psychological repercussions of the victims in adulthood and highlight the importance of addressing the lack of preparation of the judicial system, the blaming of victims, and failures in access to education and information about sexuality. Methods: a literature review was conducted using descriptive and analytical methods using data published in the last ten (10) years in the PubMed and Scielo Brasil databases. Results: 13 articles from PubMed and ten (10) articles from Scielo Brasil were selected for analysis. It is observed that sexual abuse in childhood has repercussions that go beyond the psychological and cognitive level, affecting other areas, such as changes in brain structure, physical health problems, development of risk behaviors, and difficulties in establishing relationships and social benefits, in addition to a reduction in life expectancy. Conclusions: there are many negative impacts on the lives of victims of child sexual abuse. Physical and psychological care aimed at victims of child abuse goes beyond childhood, demanding attention in subsequent years and during adult life since the trauma has repercussions in different ways, generating negative epercussions on the quality of life of those abused. There is a need to implement teaching and training strategies for professionals in the field of education to identify and report cases of sexual violence, as well as the essential need to create spaces to address this issue in schools.

Intimate partner violence among women in Togo: a generalised structural equation modeling approach.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and identify associated factors with intimate partner violence (IPV) in Togo. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Togo. PARTICIPANTS: Women of reproductive age (15-49 years). PRIMARY OUTCOME: Intimate partner violence. METHODS: This study used data from the 2013 Togolese Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 4910 married or partnered women were included. A Generalised Structural Equation Model (GSEM) was performed to identify significant factors associated with IPV. Results of the GSEM were reported as adjusted ORs (aOR) with their corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of IPV was 35.5% (95% CI: 34.2% to 36.8%). Emotional violence and physical violence were the most reported forms of IPV (29.7% and 20.2%, respectively), while sexual violence was the least common, with a prevalence of 7.5%. Additionally, the results indicated that the following factors related to women, men and households were significantly associated with IPV in Togo: ethnicity, region, religion, wealth index, working status, age at the first union, having attitudes toward wife-beating, participation in household decision-making, education level, alcohol use and controlling behaviour. CONCLUSION: IPV is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon in Togo. The Togo government as well as women's human rights organisations should consider these factors when designing IPV programmes.

Characterization of male sexual assault in the state of São Paulo, Brazil: an epidemiological study from 2014 to 2017.

Sexual violence is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals of all genders. However, the experiences of male survivors have often been marginalized and inadequately represented. Male rape, which encompasses several forms of sexual violence against men, remains a sensitive and under-discussed topic in academic literature and public discourse. This study presents a descriptive cross-sectional analysis based on data collected from the Legal Medicine Institute (IML-São Paulo, Brazil) between 2014 and 2017. The analysis includes 7386 reports of sexological examinations performed on male victims of alleged rape. The analysis reveals that a significant majority of rape reports involved victims under the age of 12 or 14, which is considered vulnerable rape by the Brazilian legislation. Regarding the examination of reported cases of abuse against men, it was observed that only the minority of these cases exhibited visible injuries consistent with rape or tested positive for the presence of spermatozoa in the perianal region. Since the absence of visible injuries or spermatozoa does not negate the possibility of rape, this work highlights the challenges in obtaining conclusive evidence, necessitating a comprehensive approach to investigate and prosecute these crimes, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all survivors of rape, irrespective of their gender.

Factors associated with non-help-seeking among women victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence in Peru: Findings from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey, 2017 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with non-help-seeking in victims of physical or sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) in Peru. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study of 3-year data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey. The sample comprised women aged 18 to 49 who had experienced physical or sexual IPV at some time in their lives. The dependent variable was non-help-seeking after suffering physical or sexual IPV. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the factors associated with non-help-seeking. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was carried out in which only women who suffered physical or sexual IPV in the last year were considered. RESULTS: Data from 15,265 female victims of physical or sexual IPV were analyzed. It was found that 57.4% did not seek help after suffering physical or sexual IPV. The main reasons for non-help-seeking included thinking it was unnecessary (42.3%) and embarrassment (14.9%). Age between 30 and 49 years old (PRa:1.15; 95%CI [1.06, 1.25]) and residing in a rural area (PRa:1.07; 95%CI [1.00, 1.13]) were associated with a higher probability of non-help-seeking. On the other hand, having a secondary education level (PRa:0.91; 95% CI [0.86, 0.97]) or higher (PRa:0.90; 95%CI [0.82, 0.99]), having a partner who drinks alcohol (PRa:0.94; 95%CI [0.89, 0.99]), having experienced physical or sexual IPV during a pregnancy (PRa:0.87; 95%CI [0.80, 0.94]), and having experienced moderate (PRa:0.81; 95%CI [0.76, 0.86]), or severe physical or sexual IPV (PRa:0.74; 95%CI [0.67, 0.82]), were associated with a lower probability of non-help-seeking. These associations were consistent in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: Half of the women who experience physical or sexual IPV do not seek help. There are sociodemographic factors related to this non-seeking of help that are useful for identifying and prioritizing interventions to reduce IPV and improve the health status of women.