Factors that influence sexual violence against women in Uganda

Abstract

Sexual violence occurs throughout the world. Over the years, research has shown the extent of sexual violence, and more and more insight has been gained into specific risk groups and the causes, forms, and consequences of sexual violence and how to deal with it. Sexual violence takes place in all societies around the world, albeit under different definitions (Kalra & Bhugra, 2013). Sexual violence is defined as physically forcing another person to have sexual intercourse without their consent, having sexual intercourse because of the fear of the partner, and/ or being forced to perform a sexual act deemed humiliating (WHO, 2013). Sexual violence and forced sexual intercourse cause a range of gynecological and reproductive health problems such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy, vaginal bleeding or infection, myoma, decreased sexual desire, genital irritation, pain during sexual intercourse, chronic pelvic pain and urinary tract infections (Puri et al., 2011). Furthermore, it causes short-term problems such as shock, fear, anxiety, panic, phobias, guilt, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and long-term psychological problems such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression and suicide attempts (Jina & Thomas, 2013).