Sex without consent: young people in developing countries

The pressing need to break the silence on non-consensual sex among young people -
an issue shrouded by denial, underreporting and stigma is self-evident. Despite the
growing body of research regarding young people's sexual behaviours, the study of
coercive sexual experiences has generally been overlooked by both researchers and
national programmes. Available evidence has been scattered and unrepresentative
and despite this evidence, non-consensual among young people is perceived to be
a rare occurrence. This volume dispels any such misconception. It presents a
disturbing picture of non-consensual sex among girls as well as boys, and among
married as well as unmarried young women in a variety of settings. This volume
documents, moreover, the expanse of non consensual experiences that young people
face from unwanted touch to forced penetrative sex and gang rape. Although
the focus is on young females, the volume also sheds light on the experience of young
males as both victims and perpetrators. This pioneering volume highlights key
factors placing young people at risk, whilst outlining the significant distinctive health
and social implications they face. Sex Without Consent also documents the
unsupportive and sometimes abusive or negligent roles of families, teachers,
health care providers and law enforcement agents, outlines promising efforts intended
to prevent non-consensual sex or support survivors, and argues for profound changes
in norms and values that tolerate or encourage non-consensual sex. The editors
argue compellingly for a radical review and reform of existing programmes designed to
prevent this kind of abuse and to support young sunvivors of sexual trauma in the
developing world. Addressing the magnitude, determinants and consequences
of sex without consent, this volume provides evidence-based directions for
programming.