Introduction: The lack of empowerment and the poverty in which women and girls live are factors that perpetuate violence in society. The purpose of this study is to analyze people’s perceptions of violence against women and girls in Senegal.
Method: A qualitative analytical study was conducted from April 10 to May 9, 2017 on all 11 regions of Senegal with a High Court (HC). The populations were represented by 86 victims, 11 HC prosecutors, 23 chiefs of emergency services and 23 heads of gynecological services. Individual interviews were conducted. Content analysis supported by a thematic analysis was conducted with Iramuteq software.
Results: In relation to sexual assault, the prevailing feeling among the victims is that of losing the precious thing that is the hymen. According to the providers, the victims find it difficult to pay the invoice for the medical certificate. According to the prosecutors, the management of the evidence is, according to them, a great hindrance to the judicial care of the victims.
Conclusion: The aggressor’s domination use threats to compel the victim to denunciation. Indeed, sexual coercion, the physical or verbal pressure to have sex, are among the most frequently noted gestures in this regard. It is important for the health and judicial authorities to implement a plan for the fight against violence, which focuses on communication in order to make people aware of the rights and place of women in the community.