Filling the Gaps: Sexual Violence Perpetration Among Underrepresented Groups in Argentina

BRUERA, JORGE; BOBBIO, ANTONELLA; ARBACH KARIN

Sexuality Research and Social Policy

Springer Nature

Año: 2025

1868-9884

Introduction: Sexual violence (SV) remains a significant public health concern, with complex manifestations across gender and sexual orientation. In Argentina, research on SV perpetration is scarce and has focused almost exclusively on heterosexual men, leaving a critical gap in data on other population groups. Methods: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of SV perpetration using the Sexual Experiences Survey-Short Form Perpetration (SES-SFP) in a sample of 1,200 cisgender adults from Argentina, including individuals of different sexual orientations. Data were collected during 2022 and 2023. Results: The results revealed SV perpetration across all groups, with prevalence rates comparable to those reported internationally. Group differences were explored by comparing both overall prevalence and SES-SFP continuous scores, revealing different patterns depending on the scoring approach. A multiple regression analyses model showed that lower levels of SV perpetration were significantly associated with identifying as a heterosexual woman and with being employed. Conclusion: This study marks an initial local effort to examine perpetrated SV. Policy implications: The findings underscore the need for inclusive public policies and prevention strategies that consider the diverse roles of perpetrators across gender and sexual orientation, particularly in historically underrepresented in research.