Sexual violence against minors under 18 in the Amazon region, Colombia, 2019-2023

Abstract

Problem: In 2023, there was an increase in the reporting of cases of sexual violence against minors under the age of 18, mainly in Amazonas, Guainía, and Putumayo. Period: 2019–2023. System description: The National Public Health Surveillance System monitors gender-based and domestic violence through the reporting of cases identified in health service provider institutions. Results: There were 4,222 reports: early childhood (566), childhood (1,235), adolescence (2,421). Caquetá (1,488) and Putumayo (1,388) were the departments with the most cases. The highest rate in the region was concentrated in adolescence (380.6), mainly in Amazonas (626.7), with an increase of 2.3 times the national rate (274.3). The home was the main setting where most cases occurred, and family members (884) and partners (736) were the main perpetrators. Interpretation: The increase in reporting reflects the capacity of the public health surveillance system to capture and systematize information, constituting a valuable source of data for analyzing the characteristics of victims, perpetrators, and settings, and allowing for the identification of an increase in sexual violence in the region, territorial variations, and a greater impact on adolescents, providing statistical data for the generation of actions. Public health action: Strengthening surveillance will allow for the monitoring of domestic violence and guide the formulation of public policies.