The epidemiology of rape and sexual violence in the platinum mining district of Rustenburg, South Africa: Prevalence, and factors associated with sexual violence

Abstract

Background Estimates for the prevalence of rape and other forms of sexual violence (SV) vary in South Africa. This survey aimed to provide clarity by quantifying the prevalence of SV (forced sex or sexual acts) by 1) sexual partners, and 2) non-partners, and to describe factors associated with these outcomes among women (18–49 years) living in Rustenburg Municipality. Materials and methods We conducted a cluster-randomized household survey (November—December 2015). Women were asked about their experiences of SV, associated attitudes and behaviours, and access to services. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with partner and non-partner SV. Results Of eligible households, 83·1% (1700/2044) participated. Of 966 women invited, 836 participated (86·5%). Average age of participants was 31.6 years (95%CI: 30·9, 32·4) with 45% having completed at least secondary school, and 60% unemployed or looking for work. Lifetime prevalence of SV was 24.9% (95%CI: 21·7–28·5), reaching 9.0% (95% CI: 6·6–12·1) by age 15. Almost one third told no one of their SV experiences. Factors related to financial dependence were associated with SV by a partner. History of termination of pregnancy increased the likelihood of SV by a non-partner as an adult. Women who experienced SV in childhood or as an adult were more likely to experience SV from a different type of perpetrator than those who did not. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of SV, including during childhood, in this setting, with limited access to care. This and the high morbidity attributed to SV calls for increased service provision.

Prevalence and correlates of sexual violence among adolescent girls and young women: findings from a cross-sectional study in a South African university

“…The observed prevalence in this study is higher than the global prevalence of 7.2% [36] and a prevalence of 17.4% in Southern Africa [36]. Another study conducted in another South African Province reported a 24.9% lifetime prevalence of sexual violence among women aged 18-49 years [37]. Our reported prevalence is also higher than the 16.7% reported prevalence of sexual violence in the past year among Norwegian students [38].…”

Analysis of burden of sexual assaults at Abuja: a 4-year retrospective study

“…Sexual assault (SA), including rape, is a human rights violation with extensive negative health consequences. 15 In this study, sexual assaults constituted 3.4% of all gynecological cases in our center. This finding is comparable to the reports made by Adeleke et al in Oshogbo and by Badejoko et al in Ile-Ife.…”

“…20 Furthermore, the higher the number of the denominator used, the lower the prevalence and viceversa or may be due to actual differences across locations and/or methodological differences. 3,4,15 It could also be due to stigma associated with sexual violence that prevent persons assaulted from reporting. 3 In this study, younger age (79.3%) less than 20, with the ages ranging from 3 to 37 years and a mean of 14.1±7.8 years formed the majority of the victims of the sexual assault.…”

“…25 Other reasons adduced for failure to report to medical services include a lack of awareness of the availability of such services, lack of knowledge of the preventability of diseases such as HIV. 3,15 Only 35 (60.3%) of the victims reported to the police. This is in contrast with what was documented elsewhere where all the victims after assault reported to the police before presentation to the hospital.…”

Association between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa

“…Although several studies have linked sexual violence to increased risk of HIV infection [34,35], poor mental health outcomes [36,37], poor self-rated health [37] and non-use of contraceptives [35], we did not nd any study examining the link between the experience of sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among adolescent and AGYW in South Africa. This is the case despite the reported high prevalence of sexual violence in the country [37][38][39][40]. As such, the main research question this study examines is: what is the link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy among AGYW?…”