AEGiS-14IAC: Forced sex and physical violence in Brazil, Peru and Thailand: WHO multi-country results.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Forced sex and physical violence in Brazil, Peru and Thailand: WHO multi-country results.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. WeOrE1280)

Jansen HA, Watts C, Ellsberg M, Heise L, Garcia-Moreno C
World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of reliable information, particularly from developing countries, on the revalence of different forms of violence against women (VAW). The WHO multi-country study has been conducted in 8 culturally diverse countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, Japan, Namibia, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand, and Samoa), with the aim of collecting data on the prevalence of physical and sexual violence by partners; the prevalence and characteristics of violence during pregnancy, the health consequences of VAW, and to explore strategies that women use in violent relationships to minimise and end violence.

METHODS: Following careful preparation and in-depth interviewer training, a cross-sectional survey of 1500 women of reproductive age was conducted in each of the capital city and one rural area of each country. Women were asked directly about their experiences of different violent and abusive acts (including whether they have been forced to have sex against their will by their partner). Follow-up support was provided to women requesting assistance. Data collection is ongoing and/or has been completed in eight countries. An analysis of the prevalence of of physical and sexual violence has been conducted in Brazil, Peru and Thailand. An analysis of the intersections between different forms of violence and abuse is ongoing.

RESULTS: Lifetime and current prevalence of partner physical and sexual violence (preliminary results) [table: see text]

CONCLUSION: The findings provide minimum estimates of the prevalence of physical and sexual VAW. They highlight the extent to which physical and sexual violence within intimate partnerships is widespread and threaten women's ability to negotiate condom use. Within HIV prevention it is critical that interventions openly discuss and challenge VAW, and work with the VAW movement to challenge the gender-inequalities and social expectations that fuel both HIV and VAW.

Keywords: AEGIS, Brazil, Peru, Prevalence, Violence, Coitus, Sex, Cross-Sectional Studies, Aggression, Sex Offenses, Data Collection, Japan, Tanzania, Thailand, Bangladesh, Namibia, Samoa, Human, Female, Pregnancy

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WeOrE1280