Prevalence Of Sexual Violence Research Articles

Sexual violence amongst female undergraduate students in institution of higher learning in Enugu: Prevalence and awareness

Background: The rising cases of domestic violence has been a great concern to the general public. Objective: The prevalence and awareness of sexual violence on female undergraduates attending Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu was evaluated. Method: The study was a cross-sectional study that involved 400 female students, self-administered questionnaires was employed. Data was analysed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Associations were tested using Chi square and p< 0.05, at 95% CI. Data was summarized as frequency distribution and chart. Result: Mean age of participants was 23.2 ±1.8. 354(88.5%) participants head about sexual violence prior to this study with one hundred and eighteen respondents (29.5%) being victims of sexual violence in one way or the other. 32.2% of them knew people who had suffered sexual violence. Commonest age of awareness was between 20-24 years(p=0.001). The source of sexual violence awareness was largely from friends (26%), face book (23.2%) and whatsap (20.3%) with least awareness from school teachers and newspaper (4.5%). Close relatives 52.6% were noted to be the commonest perpetrators of sexual violence, followed by family friends 31.6% and unknown persons 15.8%. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of sexual violence with little or no institutional based awareness program on sexual violence that is a threat to the general public.

Prevalence and risk of sexual violence victimization among mental health service users: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

People with mental disorders are more likely to experience sexual violence than the general population, but little is known about the prevalence of sexual violence in people who use psychiatric services. This paper aims to estimate the prevalence and odds of sexual violence victimisation within mental health services by gender and mental health setting (i.e. inpatient, outpatient and mixed settings). This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD4201810019). Three databases (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO) were searched and citation tracking, and reference screening of included studies was conducted. Studies were included if the prevalence and/or risk of sexual violence in psychiatric service users were reported or calculable across the past year or adult lifetime. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed. A random effects meta-analyses was conducted to estimate odds ratios and pooled prevalence estimates of sexual violence in different mental health settings. Twenty-six studies were included encompassing 197,194 participants. The meta-analyses revealed high pooled prevalence estimates and increased odds of sexual violence victimisation in male and female psychiatric service users compared to non-psychiatric service users. Mental health practitioners should be trained to respond effectively to disclosures of sexual violence, particularly from these vulnerable groups. Future sexual violence interventions should consider mental health as a treatment outcome.

Disability, childhood experiences of violence and associated health outcomes in refugee settlements in Uganda

BackgroundThere is limited evidence regarding the associations between disability, childhood experiences of violence, and associated health outcomes in humanitarian settings. ObjectiveWe examined the prevalence of childhood sexual, physical, and emotional violence by disability status, explored associations between childhood violence and type of disability (limitation), perpetrator types, and the negative health outcomes associated with experiencing childhood violence by disability status. Participant and SettingParticipants included 1338 females and 927 males aged 13–24 years living in refugee settings in Uganda. MethodsData were from a cross-sectional Humanitarian Violence against Children and Youth Survey (HVACS) conducted between March and April 2022 in Uganda. Analysis entailed cross-tabulation with a chi-square test and estimation of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. ResultsFor both females and males, the prevalence of sexual violence in childhood was higher among those with disabilities compared to those without disabilities (23.2% vs. 11.5% for females; and 15.7% vs. 7.6% for males). The odds of experiencing sexual violence were higher among females with physical limitations (self-care [AOR:2.1; 95%CI-1.0-4.3] and task performance [AOR:2.5; 95%CI = 1.3–5.2]) and males with both physical [AOR:4.4; 95%CI = 1.4–13.7] and communication [AOR:4.1; 95%CI = 1.3–12.9] limitations compared to those without such limitations. Experiencing violence and having disabilities increased the odds of reporting negative health outcomes including severe mental distress and symptoms or being diagnosed with STI among females by three times. ConclusionIn Uganda's refugee settings, the prevalence of childhood violence is higher among children and youth with disabilities compared to those without disabilities. Females with disabilities and who had experienced childhood violence were considerably more susceptible to negative health outcomes. These findings underscore the need for targeted child protection and response interventions to address the vulnerabilities of children and youth, and particularly for those with disabilities and female children.

PREVALENCE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACCUSED AND VICTIM CASES ATTENDED IN ONE STOP CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER OF CENTRAL NEPAL

Background: Sexual violence is a global public health issue, drawing more concern compared to other forms of violence. Evidence indicates that adolescents face an increased risk of encountering both physical and sexual violence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of nationally representative research on sexual violence in Nepal, hindering the development of informed interventions. This paper seeks to determine the prevalence of sexual violence and relationship between accused and the victim cases attended in one stop crisis management center of central Nepal. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine of College of Medical Sciences in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal, from January, 2023 to January 2024. Ethical approval was taken from institutional review committee of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Chitwan. Data was entered and analyzed by using descriptive statistical tools in SPSS-16. Results: The prevalence of sexual violence was 41.97% (with 95% CI as 36.31% to 47.62%). Out of 123 sexual violence cases majority (40.65%) of them were in the age group less than 14years followed by 38.21% in the age group 15-18 years. Majority of the victim were female (99.2%) by gender and Janajati (52.8%) by ethnicity. majority (78.9%) were victim of forcefully sexual intercourse. Most of the accused person (20.3%) were stranger followed by boyfriend (17.9%). Conclusions: The prevalence of sexual violence is almost half among all type of violence. Majority of the victim were Adolescence girls and they were from janajati. One out of ten victim had present of body injuries while two out of ten had genital injuries. Most of the accused person were known person (boyfriend, Neighbors, Uncle and cousin). The statistically significant variables were age and gender.

Sexual Violence in Later Life: A Widespread and Growing Yet Hidden Public Health Issue.

Sexual violence in later life and related trauma have been identified as a growing yet preventable public health crises, which disproportionately impact women. Research is limited and is continuing to emerge in this area, along with implications for addressing healthcare disparities, primarily among older women. In this paper, the prevalence of sexual violence in later life will be explored, along with survivor characteristics as they relate to structural inequality and health disparities. Consequences of sexual violence in later life will be explored as well, with implications for healthcare workers, focused on pressing needs for research, practice, policy and education at individual, relational, organizational and societal levels.

Empowering Women: A Reflection on Protecting Against Dating Violence In the Indonesian Context

This research delves into the prevalence of dating violence among unmarried women in Indonesia, shedding light on the challenges faced by adolescents in romantic relationships. The study reveals that a substantial portion of women aged 15 to 64, specifically 33.4%, have experienced instances of physical and sexual violence throughout their lives. Notably, sexual violence constitutes a significant share of reported incidents at 34.4%, surpassing physical violence, which accounts for a comparatively lower proportion of 19.6%. The prevalence of sexual violence emerges as a critical concern, demanding focused attention. The findings underscore the urgency for clear legislation addressing violence against women and advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive global strategy to tackle this pervasive issue. Recognizing the alarming statistics, it is imperative to enact and enforce laws that explicitly condemn violence against women, ensuring the safety and well-being of the female population. Moreover, a concerted global effort is essential to address the root causes of dating violence, promoting awareness, education, and prevention. This study serves as a call to action, urging policymakers, activists, and communities to work collaboratively in fostering an environment where women can thrive without fear of violence. By addressing the issue comprehensively, from legal frameworks to societal attitudes, we can pave the way for a safer and more equitable future for women in Indonesia and beyond.

Predictors of Adolescent Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Victimization: Patterns of Intersectional Social Positions in a Statewide, School-based Sample.

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a substantial public health issue faced by youth, with disparities along lines of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Using an intersectional framework, the current study describes the prevalence of self-reported IPSV victimization across intersecting social positions among adolescents. High school students who completed the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey were asked whether they had ever experienced IPSV. Using exhaustive Chi-Square Automatic Interaction Detection (eCHAID), responses were modeled using five indicators: racial/ethnic identity, transgender/genderqueer/genderfluid identity, sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, and school location. The prevalence of IPSV victimization within each end group identified by the eCHAID varied from 2.6% to 32.0%. The highest prevalence of IPSV among all students was observed in subgroups defined by multiple marginalized social positions; for example, 32.0% among lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, or questioning (LGBQ+) students of color who were transgender, genderqueer, genderfluid or unsure of their gender, and assigned male at birth; 22.8% among LGBQ+ students assigned female at birth and enrolled in a Greater Minnesota (outside of the Twin Cities) school; and 22.2% among Native+ or missing race LGBQ+ students assigned female at birth and enrolled in a metropolitan school. Within the eCHAID decision tree, several subsamples of students were split into two more subsamples with a twofold or greater statistically significant difference in IPSV victimization prevalence between them. Findings from this study highlight notable disparities in the prevalence of IPSV victimization among Minnesota youth and demonstrate the importance of detailing the distribution of interpersonal violence outcomes across youth with multiple marginalized identities. Findings suggest that disparities reported along one categorical axis only may miss important nuances in how risk for IPSV is distributed. Population health researchers should utilize methods that allow for the explication of complex intersections that characterize individuals' social positions in estimating the prevalence of sexual violence.

The Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Background: The protection of women’s right especially in a patriarchal setting like ours is of grave importance. Gender-based violence is a salient pandemic, affecting many lives in Nigeria. This phenomenon disproportionately affects women, who continue to face violence due to their vulnerability in a society dominated by men. The study examined the prevalence of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Objectives: The study highlighted three objectives to include assessing the prevalence of sexual violence, physical violence, and emotional violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Method: A descriptive research design was employed in this study and the population comprised women and girls with cases of gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom South. Simple random and snowball sampling techniques were used to draw a sample size of 150 respondents. Instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences through descriptive statistics. Results: The research found that there is high prevalence of sexual and physical violence against women and girls in Akwa Ibom State; every woman/girl encounters emotional violence sometime in their life; there is low level of reporting incidents of sexual and physical violence; emotional violence is obviously considered insignificance and as such unreported. Recommendations: The study recommends among others that the government, NGOs, and civil organizations should engage communities in discussions and actions against policies and cultural barriers affecting women’s right, consistently raise awareness on GBV and its consequences, strengthen the legal framework to ensure laws against GBV are enforceable, and provide accessible and adequate support services to GBV survivors.

Sexual Violence Prevention Strategies Based on Hadith Guidance

Sexual violence continues to happen in different places and cannot be dealt with well. The rise in the rate of sexual violence from year to year is thought to be related to the state of education. So, many things about education need to be fixed to stop acts of sexual violence that have long-term effects. Handling cases of sexual violence is insufficient for punishing perpetrators because victims who have experienced violence cannot return to normal in their physical, psychological, or future conditions. More research, particularly on hadiths related to the prevention of sexual violence behavior, is required. In Islam, various strategies have been set up that are considered capable of saving the younger generation from sexual violence. Therefore, this article aims to present traditions related to efforts to prevent the prevalence of sexual violence in society. This study used a qualitative approach with a literature review model, and the data was analyzed using the fiqhul hadith approach. This approach is a method of understanding and interpreting Islamic jurisprudence based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad. The study discovers various strategies promoted by hadith to prevent sexual violence, such as managing the views of men's and women's genitals; managing educational institutions and gathering places that are separate for men and women; and promoting youth awareness to marry if they already have the ability to do so.

Prevalence of Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions based on Witness Testimony

This research aims to assess the prevalence of sexual violence in higher education as initial exploratory data based on data from witnesses or individuals who have seen or are aware of sexual violence in the campus academic community. Respondents in this research were lecturers, students, education staff, the public in a university environment with a total of 101 respondents who had seen or been witnesses to sexual violence. This research uses incidental sampling. The methodology used is a descriptive quantitative method. Data analysis using SPSS 24. Victims of sexual violence are dominated by women, most sexual violence occurs in verbal and physical form, most sexual violence occurs outside the campus environment compared to inside campus even though the victims are campus academics, The implication of this research is education and awareness of the academic community regarding the prevention and handling of sexual violence in higher education, especially students so that they do not become victims. Apart from that, witnesses of sexual violence should be more courageous in reporting sexual violence and voicing for a campus more that is safe and free from sexual violence.

Prevalence of trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms among the Icelandic population: gender and regional differences.

The primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to provide descriptive data about the lifetime prevalence of trauma exposure with a particular focus on sexual violence and natural disasters and to assess the prevalence of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Icelandic population. In addition, the aim was to investigate whether PTSD symptoms, trauma types and prevalence differed by gender and geographical location. A representative sample of the population between the ages of 18 and 80 years was randomly selected from the Icelandic National Registrar. The study included a total of 1766 participants consisting of 930 (52.7%) women and 836 (47.3%) men, with an overall mean age of 49.9 years (standard deviation 16.1). Participants were contacted by phone and asked questions from the Lifetime Events Checklist (LEC-5) to assess lifetime exposure to traumatic events. Individuals who had experienced traumatic events completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to assess PTSD symptoms. Exposure to trauma is common among the Icelandic population, with 84.3% of the participants experiencing at least one kind of trauma. Of those exposed to trauma, 10.5% fulfilled criteria indicating a higher risk of PTSD. The prevalence of sexual violence and other unwanted sexual experiences was relatively high (16.2% and 24.4%, respectively) compared with other national studies. Women were almost four times more likely than men to have been exposed to sexual violence (24.9% vs 6.4%), and were more likely to have been exposed to other unwanted sexual experience (35.1% vs 12.4%, respectively). Exposure to natural disasters is frequent but with great geographical variation. This study highlights the high prevalence of trauma in Iceland, revealing significant gender disparities in sexual violence and geographical variations in natural disaster exposure.

Associations between sexual violence and women's sexual self-consciousness

Background: Sexual violence is a global public health problem that has serious and multiple consequences for the victims' health.Objective: This study was conducted to determine associations between sexual violence and women's sexual self-consciousness.Methods: In the analytical cross-sectional study, 340 eligible married women of reproductive age who have been referred to comprehensive health centers of Rasht, participated. Simple random sampling followed by cluster sampling was used to reach eligible study participants. The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire including a demographic information form, sexual violence questionnaire, and sexual self-consciousness scale.Results: More than 66% of the participants in this study were exposed to sexual violence by their current spouses/partners. The highest prevalence of sexual violence was in the dimension of unwillingness to have sex (49%), and the lowest in the verbal dimension was 2.1%. Participants were 4.11 ± 5.18. There was a significant positive correlation between the total score of sexual violence and the total score of sexual self-consciousness of participants (P <0.001, r = 469).Conclusion: According to the findings, there is a significant positive correlation between SSC and sexual violence, so prevention policies for sexual violence should be focused on skill-based programs and empowering women.

Intimate Partner Violence among College Women: A Single-Centred Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sexual violence between intimate partners among college women at Ankara University. The depression symptoms were compared with the history of their sexual abuse in the past and in six months. The study, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 400 college women. Intimate partner sexual violence was evaluated using the Intimate Partner Violence Victim version and depression was evaluated with the Personal Health Questionnaire-9. Study data were evaluated using statistics such as number, percentage, and mean Mann-Whintey U test, and sample t-test. Sexual violence between intimate partners is present during romantic relationships in college women. Using tobacco, alcohol compulsion, or substance abuse are risk factors for sexual violence with an intimate partner. Furthermore, depression is double diagnosed in college women with sexual violence from intimate partners.

P14: “Invisible hence inexistent?”: Sexual violence in older adults

Objective:Although sexual violence (SV) is increasingly recognized as a major public health problem, older people are ignored in policies and practices on SV. Research on prevalence and impact of SV in older adults is limited and Belgian figures on the subject are non-existent. This mixed-methods study aimed to better understand the nature, magnitude and mental health impact of SV in older adults in Belgium.Methods:We conducted face-to-face interviews trough structured questionnaires with 513 older adults (70+) across Belgium and 100 old age psychiatry patients. Quantitative data were triangulated with qualitative data from 15 in-depth interviews with older SV victims.Results:Over 44% of Belgian older adults and 57% of old age psychiatry patients experienced SV during their lifetime, 8% and 7% respectively in the past 12-months. Lifetime exposure to SV was associated with depression (p=0.001), anxiety (p=0.001) and PTSD in older adults with chronic disease/disability (p=0.002) or lower education level (p<0.001). A minority of victims (40%) disclosed their experiences to their informal network and 4% sought professional help. Older victims are willing to share their experiences, but ask health care workers to initiate the conversation.Conclusions:This study highlights the importance of recognizing older adults as a risk group for SV and the need for tailored care for older victims. Health care professionals working with older adults need to be qualitatively trained to initiate a conversation around SV and its mental health impact in old age through training, screening tools and care procedures.

Prevalence of Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among US Military Veterans: Findings from Surveys with Two National Samples

BackgroundSexual violence (SV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences are major social determinants of adverse health. There is limited prevalence data on these experiences for veterans, particularly across sociodemographic groups.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of SV before, during, and after military service and lifetime and past-year IPV for women and men, and explore differences across sociodemographic groups.DesignData are from two national cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2020. Weighted prevalence estimates of SV and IPV experiences were computed, and weighted logistic regression models were used for comparisons across gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and age.ParticipantsStudy 1 included veterans of all service eras (N = 1187; 50.0% women; 29% response rate). Study 2 included recently separated post-9/11 veterans (N = 1494; 55.2% women; 19.4% response rate).Main MeasuresSV was assessed with the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory-2 (DRRI-2). IPV was assessed with the extended Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream Tool.Key ResultsWomen were more likely than men to experience pre-military SV (study 1: 39.9% vs. 8.7%, OR = 6.96, CIs: 4.71–10.28; study 2: 36.2% vs. 8.6%, OR = 6.04, CIs: 4.18–8.71), sexual harassment and/or assault during military service (study 1: 55.0% vs. 16.8%, OR = 6.30, CIs: 4.57–8.58; study 2: 52.9% vs. 26.9%, OR = 3.08, CIs: 2.38–3.98), and post-military SV (study 1: 12.4% vs. 0.9%, OR = 15.49, CIs: 6.42–36.97; study 2: 7.5% vs. 1.5%, OR = 5.20, CIs: 2.26–11.99). Women were more likely than men to experience lifetime IPV (study 1: 45.7% vs. 37.1%, OR = 1.38, CIs: 1.04–1.82; study 2: 45.4% and 34.8%, OR = 1.60, CIs: 1.25–2.04) but not past-year IPV (study 1: 27.9% vs. 28.3%, OR = 0.95, CIs: 0.70–1.28; study 2: 33.1% vs. 28.5%, OR = 1.24, CIs: 0.95–1.61). When controlling for gender, there were few differences across other sociodemographic groups, with the exception of sexual orientation.ConclusionsUnderstanding veterans’ experiences of SV and IPV can inform identification and intervention efforts, especially for women and sexual minorities.

Sexual Violence Among Higher Education Students in the United Kingdom: Results from the Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences Study.

Sexual violence (SV) experienced by higher education students is a prevalent public health problem. Collecting data on SV through self-report surveys in higher education institutions (HEIs) is essential for estimating the scope of the problem, the first step to adequately resourcing and implementing prevention and response programming and policies. However, in the United Kingdom, data is limited. We used data from the cross-sectional Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences survey, administered to all students at a university in the United Kingdom in May 2021 (n = 25,820), to estimate the past year prevalence of SV. We analyzed data from respondents who answered at least one question on SV (n = 1,318) and found that 20.5% of respondents experienced at least one act of attempted or forced sexual touching or rape, and 52.7% of respondents experienced at least one act of sexual harassment (SH). We found that women experienced the highest rates of SV. Attempted forced sexual touching was far more common than forced sexual touching, or rape. Sexist remarks or jokes were the most common act of SH. Most acts of SV took place at the university. These findings reveal that the prevalence of SV in HEIs in the United Kingdom could be far higher than what is experienced in the general population. While this study reflects the context in only one institution, it underlines the need for continued monitoring to develop rigorous, evidence-based, and targeted prevention and response strategies.

Overlooked impact of less severe physical violence on antenatal care visits: Findings from South Asia.

In South Asia, women often experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and have limited access to maternal health services (MHS). However, the effects of IPV on antenatal care (ANC) visits remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the impact of IPV of different forms and severities on ANC visits in South Asia. This cross-sectional study used the latest available data from demographic and health surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives, and Pakistan. The study sampled 4467 women who had given birth within the past 12 months and were interviewed for IPV. IPV was measured by binary variables indicating the presence of physical violence (PV), categorised into less severe (LSPV) and severe physical violence (SPV), emotional violence (EV), and sexual violence (SV). ANC utilization was measured using binary variables indicating whether respondents had any, at least four, or at least eight ANC visits, as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Logistic regressions adjusted for survey weights were used to assess associations between ANC utilization and exposure to IPV during pregnancy and lifetime. The prevalence of LSPV, SPV, EV, and SV during pregnancy were 14.5%, 4.4%, 11.6%, and 4.1%. LSPV experience during pregnancy was associated with decreased likelihoods of at least four ANC visits (odds ratio (OR) = 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.40-0.76) and eight ANC visits (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31-0.90). Results of lifetime exposure to IPV followed similar patterns. Lifetime exposure to LSPV was associated with decreased likelihoods of at least four ANC visits (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.41-0.74) and eight ANC visits (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.29-0.77). This study highlights the negativities of LSPV on the frequency of women seeking ANC visits. Policies are necessary to identify women at risk of the often-overlooked LSPV early and provide protective interventions to promote maternal health in South Asia.

Exploring the Effectiveness of International Organizations Interventions on Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: The United Nations and MDecins Sans Frontieres as Examples

Womens bodies often bear the consequences of war and conflict. To safeguard womens dignity and health, international governmental organizations, represented by the UN, and international organizations, represented by Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF), have tried to prevent sexual violence through reforms and development interventions in countries in conflict. However, since the end of the civil conflict in 2003, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has continued to experience high levels of sexual violence. This paper uses case studies to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the causes of the high prevalence of sexual violence and the reasons for the failure of two organisations interventions in the country. It also provides recommendations for future interventions by international organisations in the country. In particular, more realistic measures for the protection of victims and cooperation between international actors, not only focusing on conventional international actors but also taking into account cooperation with local NGOs and the media. As well as focusing more on how to change the deep-rooted gender inequalities. The intention is to fill the gap in how to address sexual violence from the perspective of international organisations.

The prevalence of sexual violence against African women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

High rates of sexual violence ratios in low-income countries are recognized as a global public health problem. The incidence of violence against African women has been increasing. However, no study has systematically summarized the global prevalence of sexual violence against African woman. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, databases from their inception through January 2021 for pertinent studies on reporting the prevalence of sexual violence against African women. We included observational studies. The prevalence rate was estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistic. Differences by study level characteristics were estimated through subgroup analysis and meta-regression. A total of 9 cross-sectional studies were included (a total of 9,030 participants). The pooled sexual violence rate was 0.33 (95% CI = 0.23-0.42). Subgroup analyses found that there was a higher rates of sexual violence against pregnant woman in east Africa (0.41, 95% CI = 0.24-0.58), pregnant (0.42, 95% CI = 0.05-0.80), and interview (0.40, 95% CI = 0.01-0.78). The analysis found that the major sexual violence types were the physical violence (0.19, 95% CI = 0.07-0.31), psychological violence (0.36, 95% CI = 0.11-0.61), sexual assault (0.25, 95% CI = 0.02-0.47). Nearly one out of every three (33%) African woman around the world has been a victim of sexual violence in their life. This current study investigated the status and characteristics of sexual violence against women, which could provide an important reference for the African health care provider. Assessing this problem against African women helps government officials, policy makers, program designers and non-governmental organizations to design prevention and controlling strategies.

Sexual workplace violence in the health sector in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

BackgroundSexual workplace violence occurs worldwide with increasing prevalence, causing psychological and physical injuries. However, only few reports from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have investigated the most involved health specialty and its association with other factors, such as working and sociodemographic conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of workplace sexual violence over 12 months, from May 2018 to May 2019, circumstances related to the event, and consequences for the perpetrator and survivor and to identify associated factors among all healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included all HCWs registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties who worked for > 1 year in the health sector (government or private) in Saudi Arabia until May 2019. A non-probability convenient sampling technique was used. A modified self-administered questionnaire sent via email was utilized to assess workplace violence. Descriptive statistics were used to report percentages and frequencies, while advanced statistics, such as bivariate analysis, were used to determine associations. Multivariate logistic binary regression analysis was used to assess the combined and individual associations between relevant predictors of exposure of HCWs to recent sexual violence at the workplace.ResultsIn total, 7,398 (male, 51.3%; female, 48.7%) HCWs were electively enrolled in the study (mean age 40 ± 8.62 years). Most were non-Saudi (60%). Overall, 3.9% were sexual violence survivors. Approximately 60.7%, 51.4%, 48.3%, and 65.9% of female workers, nurses, Saudi natives, and night shift workers (18:00 to 07:00), respectively, were significantly exposed to sexual violence. Furthermore, approximately 54.8% of those with direct physical contact with patients had a higher rate of exposure to sexual harassment (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of sexual violence is low but remains a risk to HCWs, especially those working night shifts and having direct physical contact with patients. Thus, more support, specific strategies, and policies are needed to reduce the rate of occurrence, protect HCWs, and prevent such events. The underreporting of cases may be skewing the magnitude of the problem; thus, more education and additional research in Saudi Arabia are needed regarding sexual violence experienced by HCWs.