The global issue of statutory rape: Brazil’s experience

Abstract

Background: More women, and especially those younger than 14 years, have reported their first sexual intercourse as coerced. These age groups need to be targeted for interventions to delay sexual debut and prevent sexual coercion. This study sought to compare the prevalence of sexual debut (SD) in adolescents under 14 years old before and after the implementation of the Statutory Rape Law in Brazil. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 591 pregnant adolescents aged 10-18 years served at teaching maternity hospital of Brazil’s National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS). Sociodemographic data and information on clinical history of SD were collected. Results: The prevalence rate of SD under 14 years of age was 26% in 2006 versus 48.5% in 2016 (p<0.001). In 2006, the median age of the partner was 19 years versus 17 years in 2016 (p=0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of early sexual debut was significantly higher 7 years after the implementation of the Statutory Rape law as compared to 3 years prior.