Gender equality does not prevent sexual abuse of women – awareness of a global public health problem

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of sexual abuse against women around the world and the protective factors that may prevent this violence. Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 470,000 women in 50 countries informed our multivariate estimates. Our results show that one out of ten women aged 18-49 years old, experienced –at least once in their life time- sexual abuse, and most perpetrators are people in the environment of their victims. We also find that women educational attainment is a key factor in order to prevent sexual abuse, but gender equality achievements in economics, politics and health do not guarantee lower rates of sexual abuse. These results promote further discussions on strategies to strengthen effective preventive programs, especially for vulnerable women.