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A quarter of teenage girls who have been in a relationship worldwide have experienced partner violence by a male

24% of girls aged 15 to 19 who have been in a relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence by a male partner at some point in their lives, according to a global study with data from 161 countries between 2000 and 2018. Spain is in the group with the lowest prevalence (12% over their lifetime; 4% in the previous year), according to 2015 data. There is less violence against girls in countries with higher incomes, higher rates of girls in secondary education, and greater gender equality in inheritance laws, says the study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 

30/07/2024 - 00:30 CEST
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Violencia adolescentes - Mª Pilar Matud Aznar EN

Mª Pilar Matud Aznar

Professor of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments at the University of La Laguna

Science Media Centre Spain

Almost one in four teenage girls (24%) aged 15 to 19 who have had a partner have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence by their partner at some point in their lives, and 16% have experienced it in the past year, according to WHO data collected from 161 countries in all regions of the world. Although physical and sexual violence against teenage girls by their partners occurs worldwide, the frequency of such violence varies significantly between countries and regions, with lifetime prevalence ranging from 6% in Georgia to 49% in Papua New Guinea. Violence is less frequent in countries where women's secondary education rates are high, where there is greater gender equality in property ownership, and in high-income countries and regions. In contrast, in low-income countries and societies with higher rates of child marriage, rates of physical and/or sexual violence against teenage girls are higher. 

The high variation between countries and regions in the presence of intimate partner violence against teenage girls, as well as its association with contextual factors in the country, indicates that such violence can be prevented and eradicated, highlighting the most relevant factors to consider. This is crucial because intimate partner violence impacts the health, development, and well-being of teenage girls in both the short and long term. The study's results emphasize the need to promote and ensure policies and programs that increase and guarantee gender equality. It is noteworthy that countries should provide secondary education to all girls, ensure equal property rights for women, eliminate discriminatory gender norms, and eradicate harmful practices such as child marriage. These recommendations are also relevant to our country. Violence against women is a global problem, and with the immigration rate we have in Spain, we cannot limit ourselves [to considering only what happens within our borders]. 

The author has declared they have no conflicts of interest
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Publications
Intimate partner violence against adolescent girls: regional and national prevalence estimates and associated country-level factors
  • Research article
  • Observational study
  • People
  • Peer reviewed
Journal
The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health
Publication date
Authors

LynnMarie Sardinha et al.

Study types:
  • Research article
  • Observational study
  • People
  • Peer reviewed
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