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'Many girls' abused by boyfriends

2009-09-01 05:31:56

A third of teenage girls suffer sexual abuse in a relationship and a quarter

experience violence at the hands of their boyfriends, a survey suggests.

Nearly 90% of 1,400 girls aged 13 to 17 had been in intimate relationships, the

NSPCC and University of Bristol found.

Of these, one in six said they had been pressured into sexual intercourse and

one in 16 said they had been raped.

The government is developing guidance for schools on gender bullying but says

it is "vital" parents advise children.

One in three of the teenage girls questioned said their boyfriends had tried to

pressure them into unwanted sexual activity by using physical force or by

bullying them.

The NSPCC said the unwanted sexual activity ranged from kissing to intercourse.

A quarter of the girls interviewed for the survey had suffered physical

violence, including being slapped, punched or beaten.

Only one in 17 boys reported having been pressured or forced into sexual

activity but almost one in five had suffered physical violence in a

relationship.

Parents and schools can perform a vital role in teaching [youngsters] about

loving and safe relationships

Diane Sutton, NSPCC

Professor David Berridge, from the University of Bristol, described the

findings as "appalling".

"It was shocking to find that exploitation and violence in relationships starts

so young," he said.

"This is a serious issue that must be given higher priority by policymakers and

professionals."

Diane Sutton, head of NSPCC policy and public affairs, said: "Boys and girls

are under immense peer pressure to behave in certain ways and this can lead to

disrespectful and violent relationships, with girls often bearing the brunt.

"Parents and schools can perform a vital role in teaching them about loving and

safe relationships, and what to do if they are suffering from violence or

abuse."

The report recommends child protection professionals consider the cases of

girls who are in relationships with older boyfriends, with three-quarters in

this category saying they had been victims of abuse.

'Feeling scared'

Many girls said they put up with abuse because they felt scared, guilty or

feared they would lose their boyfriend.

One told researchers: "I only went out with him for a week. And then, because I

didn't want to have sex, he just started picking on me and hitting me."

A spokesman for the Department for Children, Schools and Families said

personal, social, health and economic studies - including relationship

education - would become statutory for children of all ages by September 2011.

"Parents have a vital role to play in providing information and advice on sex

and relationships," he said.

"They should lead on instilling values in their children, but schools have a

clear role in giving young people accurate information and developing the

skills they need to make safe and responsible choices."