Teenage girls at risk of rape and violence warns Bristol University

Teenage girls are suffering unwanted sexual acts and physical violence, according to new research out today from the NSPCC and the University of Bristol.

The findings come from a survey of 13 to 17 year-olds which found that nearly 9 out of 10 girls had been intimate in a relationship. Of these, one in six said they had been pressured into sex and one in sixteen said they had been raped.

A quarter of girls had suffered physical violence from their boyfriends, having been slapped, punched or even beaten up. One in nine girls  reported  the physical violence being severe.

The findings are published in a report ‘Partner exploitation and violence in teenage intimate relationships’ and is the first study to provide an insight into the secret side of teenage life.

Having older boyfriends was more likely to put girls at a higher risk of violence, with three quarters of them admitting to having been a victim in this situation.

One of report’s authors, Professor David Berridge from the University of Bristol, said: “The high rate and harmful impact of violence in teenagers’ intimate relationships, especially for girls, is appalling. It was shocking to find that exploitation and violence in relationships starts so young. This is a serious issue that must be given higher priority by policy makers and professionals.”

NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs Diana Sutton, said: “It is shocking to find so many young people view violence or abuse in relationships as normal. Many will not tell their parents what is happening.

“We must make sure that every young person knows this behaviour is never acceptable, that nobody should hurt or scare them, and they can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 for help.”