Risk perception of sexual abuse among young students in Cali

Abstract

Background: The incidence of sexual abuse is high and occurs in all socioeconomic strata, cultures, spaces, and during different life stages. However, very little research has been conducted to explore risk perception among adolescents, even though adolescents are more likely to experience sexual violence. Methods: Complementary with a transversal study, which identified three zones in Cali with higher prevalence of sexual abuse reported among youngsters between 10 and 19 years of age, we carried out a qualitative study to explore risk perception of sexual abuse among young students. In this study, 121 adolescents from both sexes participated. The information was gathered by using a focal group technique. Results: Main study results show that women and men have a notion of sexual abuse only related to rape or sodomy (penetration of the penis or other object into the vagina or anus), and they consider this a more serious type of sexual abuse. In addition, we observed differences in risk perception related to gender and domestic and public spaces. Finally, victim-blame attitudes are prevalent and the stereotypical male image as rapist is predominant. Conclusions: The research suggest that is necessary in sexual abuse prevention programmes with youngsters to emphasize aspects related to being able to identify circumstances that place them at risk of sexual abuse in any modality. Furthermore, prevention programmes should have a gender perspective to clarify different risks perceptions and attitudes about victims. © 2010 Universidad del Valle, Facultad de Salud.