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339 Sexual violence and rape among young migrants in Sweden: a cross-sectional study on prevalence, determinants, perpetrators, and reporting patterns

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OP 35: Health Status 2, B210 (FCSH), September 5, 2025, 10:15 - 11:15 Aim This study aims to assess the prevalence, determinants, perpetrators, and reporting patterns of Sexual violence (SV) and rape. Methods Data from the 2018 survey on migrants’ sexual and reproductive health and rights, involving 1,773 migrants aged 16–29, were analyzed. Prevalence rates and adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using descriptive and log-binomial regression analyses. Results SV prevalence was 25.1%, with rape at 9%. Higher SV prevalence was reported by non-binary individuals (APR: 2.60, CI: 1.54–4.38), LGBA individuals (APR: 1.56, CI: 1.22–2.01), those with 10–12 years (APR: 1.35, CI: 1.04–1.74) and over 12 years of education (APR: 1.61, CI: 1.23–2.11), and migrants awaiting asylum decisions (APR: 1.67, CI: 1.25–2.23). Rape prevalence was higher among those born in non-conflict settings (APR: 2.38, CI: 1.43–3.97), non-binary individuals (APR: 3.32, CI: 1.35–8.18), and LGBA individuals (APR: 1.68, CI: 1.02–2.75). Men reported higher SV and rape levels than women, but these differences were not significant in multivariate analyses. Perpetrators included strangers (46.3%), partners (24.8%), family/friends (15.8%), and colleagues (15.4%). Most survivors did not report SV (63.7%) but confided in friends/relatives (29%) and trusted individuals like teachers/counselors (9.5%), with fewer reporting to authorities (3.4%). Conclusion Policymakers should prioritize targeted interventions, raise awareness, and provide comprehensive support services tailored to the diverse needs of migrant groups. Initiatives should adopt a migration-trajectory approach, recognizing that migrants may have experienced SV throughout their journey and considering the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of specific subgroups, regardless of their origin.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf180.215

Authors: Faustine Kyungu Nkulu Kalengayi, Mazen Baroudi

Institution: Umeå University

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181