VIOLENCE AGAINST ADOLESCENTS IN BRAZIL: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GIRLS AND BOYS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the differences between violence against adolescent girls and boys in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional analytical study, with data on interpersonal and self-inflicted violence from the Information System for Diseases and Notification, 2019, Brazil. Poisson regression was performed to estimate the Prevalence Ratio, with a significance level of 5%. The variable 'victim's sex' was analyzed according to types of violence, aggressors' bonds and agents of aggression. For girls, lower prevalences were identified for physical violence (PR=0.973), child labor (PR=0.816) and neglect/abandonment (PR= 0.941), and higher prevalences for psychological (PR=1.083), sexual (PR= 1.292) and self-inflicted (PR=1.168) violence, p<0.05, compared to boys. Girls had more notifications of violence perpetrated by spouses (PR=1.422), boyfriends (PR=1.499) and stepfathers (1.230), p<0.05.  For agents of aggression, poisoning/intoxication and threats in violence against girls are highlighted; and for violence against boys, bodily force/beatings and the use of objects and firearms (p < 0.05). The profile of violence against girls differs from that of boys, requiring different measures to prevent violence in adolescence, according to the characteristics of each group.