Introduction
Women’s vulnerability to violence in intimate relationships has been negatively associated with the development of sexual agency and is not considered just an individual responsibility in the face of a series of social and economic inequalities to which women are exposed. This study aims to verify the association between sexual agency and violence experienced and perpetrated in intimate relationships, as well as the predictive role of sexual agency on violence, and compare populations with economic, social, and educational differences.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey was carried out in 2023 with 322 female university students—161 Brazilian and 161 Portuguese, aged between 18 and 29—using measures to verify sexual agency and different types of violence experienced and perpetrated by women in intimate relationships. The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Results
Data showed Brazilian women having higher scores in all the variables of experienced and perpetrated violence. Sexual practices and refusal were negatively associated with violence experienced by Brazilian women. Refusal and pregnancy/STI prevention were negatively associated with violence experienced by Portuguese women.
Conclusions
The differences between groups can be attributed to the intersecting systems of oppression—such as gender, race, and social class—that amplify vulnerabilities and limit investments in protective policies for women, as well as in educational initiatives focused on violence prevention.
Policy Implications
Results suggest the development of violence prevention programs, comprehensive sexual education programs, and policies that focus on promoting women’s sexual agency.