Sexual Violence Suffered by Women in Early and Late Adolescence: Care Provided and Follow-Up

Abstract

Objective To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided. Methods A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%. Results The early group (n = 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p < 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p = 0.031), in their residences (p < 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p < 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p = 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p = 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n = 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p = 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p = 0.033), sleep disorders (p = 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p = 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p = 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups. Conclusion The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.

Adolescent Female Victims of Sexual Violence: Analysis of Loss of Follow-up after Emergency Care and Outpatient Follow-up

“…[5][6][7] In the first weeks after abuse, physical pain, and mental disorders-such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive and anxious symptoms-are described in most women. 8,9 Studies describe forms of self-harm, such as cutting, and suicidal ideation/behavior. [1][2][3]9 A study described, in girls aged 12 to 17 years, an association between sexual abuse suffered in childhood and the development of the use of substances, alcohol and other drugs, and aggressive behavior; and supporting the need to address the issue of risk behaviors during the follow-up of survivors of sexual abuse.…”

“…8,9 Studies describe forms of self-harm, such as cutting, and suicidal ideation/behavior. [1][2][3]9 A study described, in girls aged 12 to 17 years, an association between sexual abuse suffered in childhood and the development of the use of substances, alcohol and other drugs, and aggressive behavior; and supporting the need to address the issue of risk behaviors during the follow-up of survivors of sexual abuse. 7 These situations can decrease women's quality of life.…”