Characteristics and Factors Associated With Age and Gender Among Peruvian Children and Adolescents Who Are Victims of Sexual Violence

Abstract

Objectives. To identify the characteristics and factors associated with the gender and age of victims and aggressors. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. Linear regression and Poisson regression were used to determine β coefficients and prevalence ratios (PR) between general characteristics and victim gender and age. Results. A total of 6929 records were analyzed. Factors associated with victim gender included urban area of residence ( P < .001), alcohol consumption ( P < .001). Factors associated with older victim age were being female (β = 3.08) and not being related to the aggressor (β = 1.73). Aggressors were older if they were the father (β = 7.58) or stepfather (β = 5.08), and if the rape had occurred previously (β = 6.11). Conclusions. There are factors directly associated with the gender and age of the victim. Strategies to prevent sexual assaults, especially within the family context, should be strengthened.