Criminological Characteristics of Sexual Violence in Angola for Its Prevention

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the true extent of sexual violence is still unknown, due in part to the variety of definitions and research methods. Despite these inconsistencies, it is known that sexual violence affects women, men and adolescents around the world. The increase of rape crimes in Angola demands the implementation of scientific research and strategic actions that enhance a proactive stance of the State and its institutions, political, social and governmental organizations and in particular of the National Police.  Therefore, the analysis of this crime as a social phenomenon requires a theoretical and methodological approach from various scientific disciplines such as sociology, psychology, criminology, victimology and police sciences, as essential supports for the implementation of effective preventive strategies. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the main trends of sexual violence in the world and to analyze some criminological features obtained in a longitudinal descriptive study of rape crimes recorded (2012 and 2016) and predicted (2017-2025) by the Angolan Police.