Personal and Venue Characteristics Associated With the Practice of Physical and Sexual Aggression in Brazilian Nightclubs

Abstract

Violence among young adults is an increasing public health concern, especially in the context of nightlife, such as around nightclubs and bars. Nightlife is associated with alcohol, drugs, and increased violence, but little is known about personal and environmental factors related to physical aggression and sexual violence in nightclubs. This study aimed to determine personal and environmental risk factors for physical and sexual aggression in nightclubs in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected among nightclub patrons through use of a portal survey at the entrances and exits of 31 nightclubs. Men and women over 18 years old were systematically sampled while waiting in entrance lines. At the entrance, participants provided information about sociodemographic characteristics, drug use, alcohol use, and other risky behaviors during the prior 12 months. Upon exiting the nightclub, participants were asked about drug use, alcohol use, aggressive behaviors, and other risky behaviors that occurred while in the nightclub. Each participant was offered a breathalyzer test when entering and exiting the nightclub. Participants who used drugs in the nightclub, planned to have sex after leaving the club, or were younger in age were more likely to commit an act of physical aggression. Participants who attended nightclubs playing eclectic music, drank before arriving at the nightclub, and had elevated breath alcohol concentration at the entrance or exit were more likely to commit an act of sexual aggression. Study findings point to specific risk factors and can inform the development of social environmental prevention strategies to prevent physical and sexual aggression within nightclubs.

Sexual violence and nightlife: A systematic literature review

“…Across these studies, prevalence of sexual violence victimisation experienced on the night of survey ranged from 10% (kissed or tried to have intercourse against will, in nightclubs in Brazil; Santos et al, 2015) to 50% (unwanted and/or persistent sexual aggression, on night out in Canada; Graham et al, 2014a). Reported prevalence of sexual violence perpetration was less than one in twenty (across two studies of the same population: Fung et al, 2018;Santos et al, 2015).…”

“…Six studies identified relationships between socio-demographics (i.e. age, gender and ethnicity) and sexual violence (Fung et al, 2018;Hughes et al, 2008;Miller et al, 2015;Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Sanchez et al, 2019;Thompson and Cracco, 2008). Some studies suggested that females were more likely than males to experience nightlife-related sexual violence as a victim, and males more likely to be a perpetrator (Fung et al, 2018;Hughes et al, 2008).…”

“…age, gender and ethnicity) and sexual violence (Fung et al, 2018;Hughes et al, 2008;Miller et al, 2015;Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Sanchez et al, 2019;Thompson and Cracco, 2008). Some studies suggested that females were more likely than males to experience nightlife-related sexual violence as a victim, and males more likely to be a perpetrator (Fung et al, 2018;Hughes et al, 2008). Whilst some studies suggested that both victims and perpetrators tend to be of a younger age (Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Sanchez et al, 2019;Thompson and Cracco, 2008), others found no significant association (Hughes et al, 2008;Fung et al, 2018) (however, studies included different age ranges).…”

“…Some studies suggested that females were more likely than males to experience nightlife-related sexual violence as a victim, and males more likely to be a perpetrator (Fung et al, 2018;Hughes et al, 2008). Whilst some studies suggested that both victims and perpetrators tend to be of a younger age (Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Sanchez et al, 2019;Thompson and Cracco, 2008), others found no significant association (Hughes et al, 2008;Fung et al, 2018) (however, studies included different age ranges). Three studies alluded to relationships between low mental health and victimisation or perpetration of sexual violence in nightlife or other social dating settings (Hutton 2004;Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Romero-Sanchez and Megias, 2015).…”

“…Across 16 studies, increased alcohol consumption, signs of intoxication and engagement in specific drinking patterns by either the victim or perpetrator was associated with nightliferelated sexual violence (Ball et al, 2018;Becker et al, 2015;Buddie and Parks, 2003;Connor et al, 2014;Egan and Cordon, 2009;Flowe et al, 2011;Fung et al, 2018;Graham et al, 2014;Hughes at el, 2008;Hutton, 2004;Kelley-Baker et al, 2008;Parks and Scheidt, 2000;Parks et al, 1998Parks et al, , 2008Santos et al, 2015;Watt et al, 2012). A history of violence as a victim or perpetrator, including sexual and other forms of violence both within and external to nightlife settings was associated with nightlife-related sexual violence in four studies, primarily conducted in the USA (Kelley-Baker et al, 2008;Miller et al, 2015;Parks and Zetas-Zanatta, 1999;Parks et al, 2008).…”