'Distressing' level of sexual violence among young
Pastor Dale Morgan
'Distressing' level of sexual violence among young*
By Catriona Davies
Last Updated: 1:40am GMT 20/11/2006
More than 40 per cent of young people know girls whose boyfriends have
hit them, according to a survey published today.
The research among 16 to 20-year-olds also found a similar number know
girls whose boyfriends have coerced or pressed them to have sex.
The End Violence Against Women (EVAW) campaign found that the majority
of young people do not feel they have enough information about physical
and sexual violence.
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The campaign wants the Government to provide more support, especially in
schools, colleges and work places.
Liz Kelly, the chairman of the EVAW campaign, said: "It is distressing
that violence against women is not only widespread, but in young
people's lives so directly.
"If the Government is serious about preventing violence to women, it
must ensure that young people have the chance to discuss it at school."
She said that personal, social and health education should be compulsory
in schools.
The ICM poll also found a significant minority of young people with
attitudes that EVAW said condoned sexual violence.
For example, 27 per cent thought it was acceptable for a boy to "expect
to have sex with a girl" if the girl has been "very flirtatious".