PROFILE OF NOTIFICATIONS REGARDING FEMALE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN MONTES CLAROS, MG (2020–2025)

Abstract

A Sexual violence against women and girls is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights, with physical, psychological, and social consequences. This study aimed to analyze notifications of sexual violence involving females in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2020 to 2025. This was a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, documentary, and retrospective study using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), available through DATASUS. A total of 995 notifications were analyzed according to year, age group, race/skin color, education, place of occurrence, repeated violence, self-inflicted injury, life cycle of the suspected perpetrator, and relationship to the victim. Notifications increased from 135 in 2020 to 206 in 2025, a 52.59% increase. The 10–14-year age group accounted for 311 notifications (31.26%), and 75.28% involved individuals under 20 years of age. Brown-skinned victims represented 57.49%; the residence was the most frequently reported location (56.78%); and 30.35% of records indicated repeated violence. Friends or acquaintances were the most frequently reported relationship category (29.45%). Missing or unknown information limited the interpretation of some variables. The findings highlight the need to improve notification quality, strengthen intersectoral protection networks, and provide comprehensive, humane care.