What do we know about the impact of sexual violence on health and health behaviour of women in Estonia?

Abstract

Background Sexual violence against women is a major public health issue and a breach of human rights. Although various consequences of sexual violence on health have been described in a large number of scientific publications, very little is known about this topic in Estonia. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of sexual violence and associations between exposure to sexual violence and risky health and sexual behaviours among women in Estonia. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Estonia in 2014. Self-reported data regarding selected indicators of risky health and sexual behaviours were collected from 1670 women, aged 18–44 years, via a self-administered questionnaire. To measure the prevalence of sexual violence, questions from the NorVold Abuse Questionnaire were included. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Results Of the respondents, 22.7% (n = 379) reported being exposed to sexual violence during their lifetime, and over half of these women had had these experiences before the age of 18. Statistically significant associations were found between sexual violence and smoking (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.03–1.70), alcohol consumption (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.18–1.95), illicit drug use (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.70–2.89), sexual intercourse for money or other material reward (AOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.62–7.61), concurrent sexual relationships (AOR 2.64; 95% CI 1.80–3.86), and being diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.09–2.01). Conclusions In Estonia, sexual violence against women is widespread and is associated with several risky health and sexual behaviours. Efforts should be made, both among the general public and professionals, to raise awareness regarding the prevalence and negative impact of sexual violence. Women who have been exposed to sexual violence are in need of professional medical, legal and psychological help free from prejudice to help them recover from such traumatic events.

Participatory approaches to delivering clinical sexually transmitted infections services: a narrative review

“…These may include syndemics of sexual violence, mental health comorbidities, poverty, poor health service access, and related structural or policy barriers. [30][31][32][33] Participatory methods have been shown to effectively elucidate key issues around STIs that are pertinent to communities related to the planning of clinical STIs services delivery. 17,35,36 For example, a study in the United States adopted a series of participatory ideation workshops with youth and other key stakeholders in STIs services.…”

Lebenszeitprävalenz des Erlebens von Sex und sexueller Berührung gegen den eigenen Willen sowie Zusammenhänge mit gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren

“…Für die sexuellen Ereignisse vor dem 64; 68 7,3 [4,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]9] psychogene Substanzen (ausschließlich Cannabis oder andere) konsumiert zu haben. Frauen der höchsten Altersgruppe (66-75 Jahre) berichteten am seltensten von Sex_gegen_Willen.…”

“…Die möglichen Folgen sexueller Gewalt umfassen körperliche, sexuelle und psychische Störungen und sind empirisch gut belegt [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Bei Personen, die traumatische sexuelle Ereignisse bereits im Kindesalter erlebt haben, lassen sich funktionelle und hirnmorphologische Veränderungen nachweisen, welche wiederum mit Störungen im Bereich des emotionalen Erlebens und der Affektregulation in Verbindung gebracht werden (für eine Übersicht s. [8]).…”

Social construction of law enforcement for sexual violence against women in Aceh Utara

“…Based on these studies, the impact of sexual violence, including physical and non-physical has implications for victims. Non-physical consequences due to sexual violence include betrayal or loss of trust in children towards adults (betrayal); trauma sexually (traumatic sexualization); feeling helpless (powerlessness); and stigma (Chynoweth et al, 2022;Darves-Bornoz, 2021;Draucker, 1999;Lippus et al, 2020). Physical impacts include injuries during pregnancy (Lukasse et al, 2012) Even though it is considered a severe crime, the reality shows that violence is increasing.…”