Nightlife recreational contexts in Viseu: sexism, sexual violence and potential associations with substance use

While recreational settings are a stage for expression and experimentation, often facilitated by the consumption of substances, they also expose the people who frequent them to risks and challenges. This study aims to better understand the nightlife environments in Viseu, Portugal, the occurrence of sexual violence and their potential associations with substance use.
This exploratory study was conducted using a survey, previously validated within Sexism Free Night scope, where respondents were inquired about sexual violence felt (victim’s perspective), witnessed (bystander perspective) and adopted (aggressor perspective). The research methodology involved data analysis of the data collected. The sample (n=158) included individuals aged 18 or older, attendees of Viseu nightlife, users or not of psychoactive substances (PS).
The data analysis revealed that a significant majority (88.5%) attends nightlife spaces in Viseu at least once a month, and that 76.6% had already encountered some form of sexual violence in these spaces. In the victim perspective, the main behaviors already experienced are sexual comments (81.0%), with lower frequencies for higher-intensity behaviors. There is a significant prevalence of apparently male aggressors. Besides, questions were posed about the use of PS. Patterns showed similar percentages for aggressors with and without apparent substance use, with a slight predominance in situations involving apparent PS use, with exception in case of penetration rape, where only 22.8% of the victims stating the aggressor had apparent use of PS. Victims tended to experience assaults without substance use.
In the subsequent section, the focus of the survey shifted to the perspective of the aggressor. The analysis reveals a prevalence of female victims, consistent with the overall study. Results were in line with what was concluded in the previous section, with comparable frequencies for aggressors with or without substance use. However, regarding the apparent victim’s use there was a discrepancy, showing a prevalence of aggression when there is an apparent substance use by the victim. Lastly, the perspective of bystanders revealed that a substantial majority of the sample had already witnessed situations of low-intensity sexual violence, particularly seen in heterosexual interactions, with an apparently male aggressor. 
This study contributes valuable insights into the complex relationship between substance use, gender, and sexual violence in nightlife settings in Viseu. The results obtained underline the urgency of addressing sexual violence, emphasizing the collaboration between the community, and venue staff, police, medical teams and other services. Besides, it highlights the importance of a proactive bystander engagement. The study advocates for a comprehensive approach to addressing gender-specific aspects of substance use in nightlife, aiming to mitigate associated risks and reinforce protective factors.