Rape cases increased by 30% in Rio Grande do Norte between 2022 and 2023, as revealed in the 18th Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, released this Thursday (18) by the Brazilian Public Security Forum. According to the report, between January and December last year, 1,242 rapes occurred in the state, 288 more cases than in the previous 12 months.

The percentage growth observed in Rio Grande do Norte is five times greater than that recorded in Brazil. In the country, 83,988 cases of sexual violence were recorded in 2023, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2022.

Rape does not only occur when there is penetration without consent. Any type of embarrassing sexual contact, such as oral sex, masturbation, intimate touching or forced introduction of objects, can be characterized as this type of crime.

In Rio Grande do Norte, according to the Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, 78% of the total cases were classified as rape of a vulnerable person. This practice occurs when the victim is under 14 years of age or is unable to consent to the sexual act for any reason, such as disability or illness.

The report also shows that the family environment is the most dangerous for people who suffer sexual violence. National figures reveal that, last year, 52.1% of cases occurred in the victim's home and 64% were committed by a close family member.

“The numbers show that the majority of rapes are committed by close family members, within the home. This shows how children and adolescents are exposed to sexual violence and, in many cases, even have difficulty understanding that they have been or are being abused. If it is difficult for an adult victim of violence to report it, as there is a fear of being judged or even invalidated, for a child or adolescent the burden is even greater”, observes the psychologist preceptor at the Santos Dumont Institute, Maria Dolores Medeiros.

The professional adds that abusers often prevent victims from seeking help, often using threats. Therefore, being aware of changes in the behavior of children and adolescents can help identify cases of sexual abuse.

“It is common to have signs that something out of the ordinary is happening. The victim of sexual violence may start to act differently, trying to avoid contact with the abuser, reducing their social participation at home and in socializing environments, such as school. Talk to the child or teenager, offer a support network and never hold the victim responsible for the sexual violence suffered”, he advises.

The high number of rapes recorded in Rio Grande do Norte means that the state has the third highest rate of sexual violence in the Northeast. In 2023, there were 37.6 abuses committed for every 100,000 people in Rio Grande do Norte. In this aspect, RN is only behind Piauí (47.9) and Sergipe (45.5), the first and second northeastern states with the highest rape rates per 100 thousand inhabitants.

In the country, the highest concentration of these crimes occurs in states in the North region. Roraima (112.5), Rondônia (107.8) and Acre (106.9) have the highest rates per 100 thousand inhabitants.

ISD offers a shelter network for rape victims

The Anita Garibaldi Health Education and Research Center (Anita) is a reference unit in the municipality of Macaíba for welcoming, notifying and monitoring victims of sexual violence. It operates with open doors, receiving spontaneous demands or patients referred by the network (UPA, UBS, CREAS).

At Anita, initial care is provided by a multidisciplinary team, which includes a psychologist, social worker and nurse. If necessary, the victim can be referred for pediatric or gynecological evaluation at the unit itself. In addition, rapid tests can be performed to diagnose sexually transmitted infections and medication can be administered.

The care process is carried out in a humane manner and the victim's confidentiality is guaranteed. “This first assistance is essential to ensure safety and comfort for the person who has suffered sexual violence. It is important that she is welcomed at this moment of fragility, heard by professionals in order to avoid revictimization (when the victim needs to report the violence suffered more than once) and receive the necessary assistance when entering the health service. and also later, through psychological support”, explains the neuropsychologist preceptor.

Channels for reporting sexual violence in Brazil include:

• Dial 100: Free telephone support service, available 24 hours a day, that receives reports of human rights violations, including sexual violence.
• Call 180: Women's Assistance Center, which operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week, and assists women in situations of violence, including sexual violence.
• Specialized Women's Assistance Police Stations (DEAMs): Civil Police units specialized in assisting women victims of violence.
• Military Police (190): Emergency number that can be used to report cases of sexual violence and request immediate help.
• Guardianship Council: Body responsible for ensuring the rights of children and adolescents, and may receive reports of sexual violence against minors.
• Public ministry: It can receive reports of crimes and act to protect victims.
• Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS) and Specialized Social Assistance Reference Centers (CREAS): They offer support and referral for victims of violence.
• Hospitals and Health Units: Healthcare professionals can also receive reports and offer initial support to victims.