Experience of and factors associated with violence against sexual and gender minorities in nine African countries: a cross-sectional study

Alex Müller,Mc Lean Kabwe,Kristen Daskilewicz,Anna Mmolai-Chalmers,Nelson Muparamoto,Vincent Odira,Adamson S Muula,Martin Zimba,Chelsea Morroni

doi:10.1186/s12889-021-10314-w

Alex Müller, Mc Lean Kabwe + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10314-w

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Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to assess physical and sexual violence experienced by sexual and gender minorities in nine African countries, and to examine factors associated with violence.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory multi-country cross-sectional study among self-identifying sexual and gender minorities, using a survey tool available in paper and online. Participants were sampled through venue-based and web-based convenience sampling. We analysed data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, with Stata15.FindingsOf 3798 participants, 23% were gender minorities, 20% were living with HIV, and 18% had been coerced into marriage. Fifty-six per cent of all participants had experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and 29% in the past year. Gender minorities had experienced significantly higher levels of violence compared to cisgender (sexual minority) participants. The variable most strongly associated with having experienced violence was being coerced into marriage (AOR, 3.02), followed by people living nearby knowing about one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity (AOR, 1.90) and living with HIV (AOR, 1.47).ConclusionSexual and gender minorities in Eastern and Southern Africa experience high levels of violence. Sexual orientation and gender identity need to be recognised as risk factors for violence in national and regional law and policy frameworks. States should follow the African Commission Resolution 275 and provide protection against violence based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Highlights

Violence against sexual and gender minorities is increasingly recognised as a key public health and human rights issue [1,2,3,4,5]
Sexual orientation and gender identity need to be recognised as risk factors for violence in national and regional law and policy frameworks
In 2016, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council appointed the first UN Independent Expert on Violence based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [11], who, in a recent report ([12]:1), noted that: “[Violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities] are committed in all corners of the world, and victims are presumed to be in the millions, every year

Summary

Introduction

Violence against sexual and gender minorities is increasingly recognised as a key public health and human rights issue [1,2,3,4,5]. “[Violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities] are committed in all corners of the world, and victims are presumed to be in the millions, every year. These acts extend from daily exclusion and discrimination to the most heinous acts, including torture and arbitrary killings. At their root lie the intent to punish the non-conformity of victims with preconceived notions of what should be their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

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