CENÁRIO SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO BRASILEIRO DE VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL DE 2018 A 2022: UM ESTUDO ECOLÓGICO

Introduction: Sexual violence, which an individual uses means of coercion, such as physical force, psychological abuse or position of power, to obtain sexual satisfaction or material gains, manifests itself in various ways and negatively impacts the lives of the victims, configuring a serious public health problem that prevents the realization of human rights. Therefore, this study aim ed to analyze cases of sexual violence in Brazil (2018-2022). Methods: Ecological study was carried out using the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The frequency and prevalence of cases of sexual violence in the Brazilian population in 2018-2022 were included. Variables analyzed: year, gender, age group, color/race, and Brazilian regions. Results and discussion: In the period analyzed, 220,998 cases of sexual violence were registered, with an increase between 2018-2019 and a subsequent decrease of 13.92% in 2020. The North region had the highest prevalence of cases (100 thousand inhabitants), although recorded the fourth highest frequency. The Northeast, despite the lower prevalence, stood out among the regions with the highest number of cases. In addition, an increase in the incidence of sexual violence was observed throughout child development, reaching a peak in the age group of 10 to 19 years. From the age of 15, cases remained at high levels, especially between 20-59 years of age. The higher prevalence cases in females and brown individuals are also noteworthy. Conclusion: The study indicated a recent and considerable increase in cases of sexual violence, representing emerging challenges for public health in the country, especially in females aged 10-14 years and brown. Although the study has limitations because it proceeds from a secondary database that is subject to underreporting and failures in records, is essential to improve diagnosis and access to care, as well as effective public policies to control and eradicate this problem.