Análise espacial da violência sexual contra meninas e mulheres em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais: distribuição dos casos nos territórios socioassistenciais e os serviços de saúde

Abstract

Violence is a serious violation of human rights, brings severe consequences to victims and society, poses a threat to public health, and is one of the leading causes of mortality. All forms of violence, including sexual violence, have a broad impact on health, resulting in death, physical and mental trauma, and a reduced quality of life for individuals and affected communities. Sexual violence, which predominantly targets women, is recognized as one of the most severe forms of aggression, imposing profound and lasting consequences on its victims. In light of this scenario, this study aims to analyze the spatial dimension of sexual violence against girls and women in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, and its relationship with social vulnerability and the distribution of health services that care for these victims. This is an ecological study that employs spatial analysis as its methodological approach. The research utilized data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) referring to reports of sexual violence against girls and women in 2023, and the Family Vulnerability Index from the Unified Registry for Social Programs (IVCAD), to identify areas of social vulnerability. Territorial delimitation was based on the division of the municipality’s Socio-assistance Territories. The distribution of health services was mapped using data from the National Registry of Health Establishments (CNES), resulting in the construction of a georeferenced database. The findings show that cases of sexual violence are not evenly distributed; they tend to occur in areas of higher social vulnerability and better coverage of health services. Furthermore, the analysis revealed disparities in case distribution according to the victims’ race/skin color, with a higher incidence among Black women, as well as among girls and women in situations of social fragility, characterized by low educational attainment and ages between 10 and 14 years. The data suggest that access to the healthcare network may influence the reporting of sexual violence and indicate that structural inequities may be responsible for the uneven distribution. Therefore, the implementation of intersectoral and territory-based public policies integrating health, social assistance, public security, and education is urgently needed for the prevention and response to sexual violence. Emphasis is placed on the need to strengthen Primary Health Care as the coordinator of healthcare services, ensure ongoing professional training for health workers, and improve epidemiological surveillance to support monitoring and action planning. These measures are essential to ensure a more accurate understanding of the local reality and to assist in the protection, prevention, and provision of appropriate healthcare for girls and women experiencing violence.