Sexual violence in dating relationships among high school adolescents: a school-based study.

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the prevalence of sexual violence in dating relationships among high school adolescents and its association with socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and experiences of violence.

METHOD: a cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted among 1,238 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years enrolled in public and private schools who were in romantic relationships at the time of the study. Sampling was by clusters and stratification.

RESULTS

of the 1,238 adolescents in romantic relationships, 7.8% (95% CI: 6.4-9.4) reported having experienced sexual violence in dating. The prevalence was 9.3% among girls and 5.1% among boys. There was a higher likelihood of sexual violence in dating relationships among non-heterosexual adolescents, those who had ever had sexual intercourse, those who used drugs, and those who had experienced bullying and cyberbullying (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

it is essential that these findings contribute to the strengthening of educational campaigns in schools, addressing not only abusive behaviors but also the importance of consent, mutual respect, and the construction of secure emotional bonds among adolescents.