Experiences of violence in students of a university in Lima

Abstract

The objective of this research was to describe the experiences of family and intimate partner abuse suffered by students at a university in Lima, to delve into its characteristics and extent and propose alternatives to intervene in the university space. A virtual survey was conducted on physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. For each of these situations, the frequency, perpetrator, and moment of the violence were identified. The sample consisted of 273 students between the ages of 17 and 25 and consisted of 70 men, 201 women, and 2 with another gender identification. The results indicate that approximately 85 % have suffered psychological abuse, up to 65 % physical abuse, and up to 30 % sexual abuse of some kind. Likewise, complaints and requests for help are very few: 8 % in cases of physical abuse, 3 % in psychological, and 4 % in sexual abuse. Reasons for not reporting include ignorance, shame, fear, and the lack of instances where to turn as a factor that hinders the request for help. Finally, beliefs are evidenced that normalize violence and can influence the decision not to report, generalized violence, and a tendency to repeat violent relationships.