Citation

Stewart L, Sebastiani A, Delgado G, Lopez G. Reprod. Health Matters 1996; 4(7): 129-134.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0968-8080(96)90015-4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

While there is considerable awareness of high rates of adolescent sexual activity in many countries, comparatively little information exists on how much of this sex is wanted, particularly by girls. In fact there is strong evidence that girls have sex for a number of reasons other than their own desire and sometimes against their will. 1 Nonconsensual sex can be a significant factor in risk-taking behaviour, including early sexual activity and inability to use contraception correctly, leading to an increased risk of unwanted pregnancy and STD/HIV infection, in addition to the emotional and psychological damage it causes. Many prevention programmes have yet to confront this problem. 2 In 1994 and 1995 the national family planning associations INPPARES of Peru and PROFAMILIA of Colombia interviewed young people who thought they may have been sexually abused.3 They found that being aware of the issue and offering young women the chance to talk and get support is groundbreaking in itself.