In the United States and around the world, violence is a tragic part of culture – one that young people routinely experience. They may be involved in dating violence, which includes physical violence, such as hitting or punching, as well as nonconsensual sexual activity and rape and people are aware of domestic violence as a dangerous and tragic societal problem. They may suffer harassment or bullying from peers. Or they may be the victims of sexual assault. And young children may experience physical or sexual assault from adults. Children and young people who experience violence are physically and psychologically damaged; and they are more likely to experience HIV, STIs, and pregnancy than young people who have not.

Violence and harassment are serious problems that transcend racial, economic, social and regional lines. Violence and harassment are frequently directed toward females and GBLTQ youth. Adolescents and young women, in particular, may experience abuses in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and/or female genital mutilation.

If you are conducting research on adolescent pregnancy, check out Advocates’ Adolescent Sexual Assault and Relationship/Dating Violence Prevention Research Guide for the most recent news, scholarly research, and publications from a variety of sources.

If you have experienced violence or harassment please seek help:

Links to Hotlines and Local Clinics

General Facts

• Child Sexual Abuse: An Overview
• Child Sexual Abuse: Prevention and Resilience
• Dating Violence Among Adolescents
• The Impact of Homophobia and Racism on GLBTQ Youth of Color
• Sexual Abuse and Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa
• How the Homophobic Climate in the United States Affects GLBTQ Youth
• Eliminating Violence Against Women