Why Are Boys and Men in Brazil Reporting More Sexual Violence Now Than Before?

Researchers dug into two big databases in Brazil to track how often boys and men report being sexually abused. One system keeps health records, while the other logs public security incidents. When they compared numbers from 2010 to 2022, they found something surprising. Rape and forced sex reports dropped in some states, but overall cases being formally recorded rose. That might sound confusing, but it shows people are slowly feeling safer about coming forward. The COVID-19 lockdowns, however, made reporting dip sharply. Without schools or safe spaces open, many victims couldn’t speak out or get help.Most reports came from the Southeast region, where big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are located. Young boys under 14, especially those identified as white or mixed-race, showed the highest numbers. Experts believe this could mean these groups feel more comfortable seeking help—or it might reflect who gets the most attention in society. The study suggests that better training for doctors, nurses, and police could make a real difference. Right now, many professionals don’t know how to support male survivors properly. Changing that could encourage more victims to report abuse and get the care they need.