Sexual Violence Against Adolescent Girls: Labeling It to Avoid Normalization

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Violence against women, particularly sexual violence, is a widespread issue impacting women's emotional and psychological well-being.
• Sexual violence against adolescent girls has severe consequences, including impaired mental health, social functioning, and neurodevelopment.
• Globally, 12-25% of adolescent girls experience sexual violence, frequently perpetrated by known individuals, with a concerning rate of coerced first sexual experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted negative effects of sexual violence on adolescent girls.
• To present data from clinical practice at an Italian referral center for sexual and domestic violence (SVSeD).
• To emphasize the necessity of a multidisciplinary clinical strategy for adolescent victims of sexual violence.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the impacts of sexual violence against adolescent girls.
• Analysis of clinical data from the SVSeD center in Italy.
• Discussion of clinical management strategies.

Main Results:

• Sexual violence in adolescence leads to detrimental effects on mental health, social interactions, and neurodevelopment.
• Data from the SVSeD center highlights the prevalence and impact of sexual violence on young victims.
• A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective victim support.

Conclusions:

• Sexual violence against adolescent girls is a critical public health concern with long-lasting consequences.
• Integrated clinical care is vital for addressing the complex needs of adolescent survivors.
• Further research and intervention strategies are needed to combat this issue.