Rape and the “minute-after” law in Minas Gerais, Brazil: socio-demographic factors associated with emergency prophylaxis

Abstract

This research project investigated the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of girls and women who were the victims of rape of in Minas Gerais between 2013 and 2021, and the likelihood of receiving emergency treatment as stipulated in Law No. 12,845/2013, known as the "Minute-After" (Minuto Seguinte) Law. Data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for rape cases were used to estimate binary choice models. The results indicate that the sociodemographic factors of the victims, aligned with the theory and practice of intersectionality (race, age, place of residence within health regions, relationship with the perpetrator, and year of crime registration), negatively influence the probability of receiving emergency treatment. Specifically, indigenous victims, minors, those raped by acquaintances, and residents in certain health regions, were found to have a lower probability of receiving immediate medical care after rape. Furthermore, it was found that the implementation of public policy did not result in an improvement, as there has been a decrease in the number of medical appointments since the enactment of the law in 2013 through to the year 2021.