Causal Factors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Perspectives from the Brazilian Higher Education Students

Rana, Muhammad Qasim, Lee, Angela, Bezerra, J.F.R, Ojo, L.D. and Boas, G.H.V. (2025) Causal Factors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Perspectives from the Brazilian Higher Education Students. Societies, 15 (9). ISSN 2075-4698

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Abstract

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains a critical problem within Brazilian higher education institutions, where deep-rooted cultural norms and institutional shortcomings continue to foster unsafe environments for female students. Although national and international bodies have raised concerns, few studies have thoroughly examined the layered causes of VAWG in academic settings using comprehensive analytical methods. This study aims to explore the causal factors of VAWG within Brazilian universities by applying a structured survey and analyzing the responses using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) approach. This method allows for a nuanced interpretation of the collected data by assigning weighted values to various contributing factors. The research assessed five major dimensions—individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and societal causal factors. The findings reveal that societal and institutional causes significantly contribute to VAWG, while individual factors play a comparatively minor role. These insights point to the structural and systemic nature of VAWG in academic settings, emphasizing the need for broad reforms. Based on the results, practical recommendations, including cultural reorientation, stricter institutional policies, and gender-sensitive training are recommended. By applying FSE in this context, the study offers a novel approach to evaluating and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education, contributing to a valuable model for future research and institutional policymaking. The results offer critical insights that can guide interventions to foster safer and more inclusive university environments in Brazil.

Item Type:	Article
Sustainable Development Goals:	Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords:	violence against women, Brazilian universities, fuzzy synthetic evaluation, causal factors
Divisions:	School of the Built Environment > Research > Sustainable Built Environment & Property Research Centre
Depositing User:	Prof Angela Lee
Date Deposited:	02 Oct 2025 15:23
Last Modified:	02 Oct 2025 15:23
URI:	https://ube.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/194

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