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. 2024 Oct 5;16(10):e70873.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.70873. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Non-consensual Sex Among Japanese Women in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large-Scale Nationwide Survey-Based Study

Tomoya Suzuki  1 , Yasuhiro Kotera  2 , Akihiko Ozaki  3 , Tetsuya Tanimoto  4 , Divya Bhandari  5 , Sayaka Horiuchi  6 , Takahiro Tabuchi  7
Affiliations

Non-consensual Sex Among Japanese Women in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large-Scale Nationwide Survey-Based Study

Tomoya Suzuki et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction and background Non-consensual sex, including rape and sexual assault, has been a global concern and may have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, information on this topic is limited. Therefore, our objective was to survey the incidence rate of non-consensual sex among Japanese women aged 15-79 years between April and September 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Materials and methods We utilized data from a sample of approximately 2.2 million individuals who participated in a web-based self-reported questionnaire survey from a nationwide, cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan between August and September 2020. Sampling weights were applied to calculate national estimates, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with non-consensual sex. Data were extracted from a web-based, self-administered survey of approximately 2.2 million individuals. Results The study examined the incidence of non-consensual sex among 12,809 women with valid responses, finding an overall rate of 1.1% across all participants. Higher rates were observed among women aged 20-29 (2.4%) and employed women (1.5%) compared to unemployed women (0.7%). No significant difference was noted based on living areas. Increased FCV-19S scores, worsening or improving mental health before COVID-19, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of isolation were all linked to higher incidence rates. Non-payment of salary and lack of money for necessities also correlated with higher rates. Key risk factors included age 15-19 or 20-29, employment, financial instability, suicidal thoughts, and isolation. Notably, 20% of women aged 15-19 reported suicidal ideation. Conclusions This study underscores the critical need for mental and financial support for young women, highlighting the importance of early intervention for economically vulnerable groups. Comprehensive education on sexual consent is essential, especially during societal upheavals like the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent non-consensual sex and support affected individuals.

Keywords: covid-19 outbreak; non-consensual sexual act; sexual abuse trauma; sexual distress; sexual problems.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Research Ethics Committee of the Osaka International Cancer Institute issued approval 20084. This study adhered to ethical standards in accordance with the 1975 Declaration of Helsinki, as revised in 2013. Prior to participating in the online survey, all participants provided informed consent through a web-based consent form. The Research Ethics Committee of the Osaka International Cancer Institute reviewed and approved the study (No. 20084, June 19, 2020). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: A. Ozaki declare(s) personal fees from MNES Inc. and Becton, Dickinson and Company, as well as payments from Kyowa Kirin Inc., Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Pfizer Japan, and Daiichi Sankyo for consulting. T. Tanimoto reports receiving consulting fees from MNES Inc. and Bionics Co. Ltd. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Forest plot illustrating the incidence rate of non-consensual sex
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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