Sexual abuse in Honduras: A psychosocial look from the perspective of the native population

Abstract

Sexual abuse in Honduras represents a social reality that affects a large part of the population, but it remains hidden, and not sufficiently analyzed. The aim of this study is to broaden knowledge and identify relevant aspects of sexual abuse from the perspective of the native population, and to study possible differences between men and women’s view on sexual violence, as well as to identify possible differences between people from rural and urban areas. In particular, the qualitative method has been used in the research process to allow new dimensions to emerge, using the semi-structured interview. The sample consist of 40 participants with an age range between 15 and 28 years; 20 women and 20 men were selected, half from rural areas and the other half from urban areas. The results show factors that facilitate the sexual abuse: sexuality as taboo, patriarchal culture, poverty, low educational level, overcrowding in homes, transgenerational origin, religious influence, few complaints and aggressor within the family environment.