One in Three Brazilians Believe That Women Who Are Raped Bring It Upon Themselves

09/21/2016 - 11h31

"A woman who wears provocative clothing cannot complain if she is raped."

One in three Brazilians would agree with this statement, a new survey by Datafolha reveals. The investigation was commissioned by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security, an NGO that brings together specialists from across the country.

Even among women, 30% agree with the way of thinking that blames the rape victim. In Brazil, one woman is sexually violated every 11 minutes, according to official statistics, meaning that nearly 50 thousand crimes of this type are committed every year.

Estimates indicate, however, that only 10% of such attacks are reported, which points to the fact that a huge number of incidents - some 500 thousand a year - are hidden from the authorities.

"What kind of civilisation are we living in? There are obviously grave social problems in a country where so many people link a woman's victimisation with moral conduct," says sociologist Renato Sérgio de Lima, the Forum's Vice-President.

Of those who agreed with the statement linking use of provocative clothing with rape, the majority came from small towns or cities with up to 50 thousand inhabitants (37%).

The figures also show they were more likely to be over 60 (44%) and have low levels of education (41%). Of the interviewees who rejected the statement, the majority were 34 and under (23%), and had further education (16%).

"This shows that there is a transformation happening," says another sociologist, Wânia Pasinato, from UN Women.

POLICE AND JUSTICE

According to the study, 50% of those interviewed believe that the Military Police is not doing enough to help women victims; 43% say the same about the Civil Police.

In the state of São Paulo, just two in ten inquiries into sexual harassment launched by the pólice are resolved. Of the cases that make it to court, the majority of the those accused are found not guilty.

Translated by GILLIAN SOPHIE HARRIS

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