Sexual Violence Against Men in Brazil: Results of the 2019 National Health Survey

Abstract

Sexual violence (SV) against men remains an underexplored issue in research. This study aims to estimate the lifetime prevalence of SV among Brazilian adult men and identify associated factors using data from the 2019 National Health Survey, a nationally representative household-based survey. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis including men aged 18 years or older. SV was assessed through questions addressing unwanted sexual contact and coercion. The lifetime prevalence of SV among Brazilian men was 5.56%. Most reported incidents occurred within domestic environments and were perpetrated by someone known to the victim. Victims were predominantly young, white, and had completed secondary education. The prevalence of SV among men varied widely across Brazilian states. While some states, such as Amapá, Maranhão, and Acre, reported prevalences below 1%, others, including Rondônia (10.9%), São Paulo (8.3%), Goiás (7.6%), and Bahia (7.1%), exhibited substantially higher rates. Logistic regression analysis revealed that homosexual orientation (OR = 4.67; 95% CI [1.41, 15.45]), diagnosis of depression (OR = 3.33; [1.70, 6.50]), and anxiety disorders (OR = 2.24; [1.13, 4.41]) were independently associated with increased odds of SV. Men identifying as Asian also showed elevated risk (OR = 8.13; [2.69, 24.54]). This study provides the first nationally representative estimates of lifetime SV among adult men in Brazil, addressing an important gap in the literature. Findings support the need for targeted surveillance systems, preventive interventions, and health services that are responsive to male sexual victimization. Public health policies should integrate gender-sensitive approaches that recognize male vulnerability to SV, and health professionals must be equipped to screen, identify, and respond appropriately to cases of male sexual victimization.