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

Muhammad Qasim Rana (), Angela Lee, José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra, Lekan Damilola Ojo () and Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas
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Muhammad Qasim Rana: School of Architecture and Construction Management, University of the Built Environment, Horizons, 60 Queen’s Road, Reading RG1 4BS, UK
Angela Lee: School of Architecture and Construction Management, University of the Built Environment, Horizons, 60 Queen’s Road, Reading RG1 4BS, UK
José Fernando Rodrigues Bezerra: Department of Geography, State University of Maranhão, São Luís 65055-310, Brazil
Lekan Damilola Ojo: Department of Building and Real Estate, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
Guilherme Hissa Villas Boas: Department of Geography, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-596, Brazil

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-24

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.

Keywords: violence against women; Brazilian universities; fuzzy synthetic evaluation; causal factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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