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Abuse in Adolescents and Emerging Adult Relationships
Introduction
Based on a decade of studies, researchers have proved that adolescent violence is still at its prime in the current US society. According to Miller et al. (607-618), research shows that adolescent and emerging adulthood are transitional phases of a life course when the youth assert more significant instances of autonomy. They make their own decisions, exhibit feelings of independence, develop intimate affections with the opposite genders, and to some, extent, become sexually active (Miller et al. 607-618). Studies also indicate that this is a stage where the same group of people is vulnerable to developmental phase crimes such as sexual assaults, dating violence, peer and gender sexual harassment, among others (Ngo et al. 68-74). Despite the establishment of policies and laws like Title IX to counter cases of teenage violence and sexual harassment, the failure of this law has been utterly accorded in total dismay. Studies have established that abusive relationships are still a mystery to solve in most of the states in the US, especially in cases of campus relationships (Ngo et al. 68-74). In this light, it is empirical to understand these forms of violence since they are a violation of human rights and occasionally result in negative consequences both physically and psychologically and the risk factors associated with them.
Forms of Abuse
According to the US National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual harassment is a condition characterized by various forms of sexual contact that occurs without a person’s consent. Busch-Armendariz et al. identify them as sexual favor requests, physical conducts that are sexual that may be verbal or non-verbal. Also, studies validate malicious gender harassment as a result of being gay or lesbian as another form of sexual harassment is prevalent in youths as well (Busch-Armendariz et al.). Additionally, Ngo et al. (68-74) indicate that sexual assault is another form of violence that is highly exhibited in most adolescents. Recent research suggests that the most common type of sexual assault is rape and non-consensual attempted penetration (Ngo et al. 68-74). This form of violence is associated with a variety of exorcism consequences on the victims. For instance, victims of rape suffer bruises, broken bones, and, worse of all, are susceptible to gynecological problems such as sexually transmitted infections. Studies also relate cases of lack of sleep, insomnia, and gastrointestinal complications as other effects of rape. More so, Bonomi et al. (821) describe teen dating violence as sexual violence that encompasses both physical and psychological harassment that is aimed at inflicting fear to the victims. Victims suffer periods of threat and stalking, which lead to social withdrawal and cases of loss of appetite (Bonomi et al. 821). Research indicates that this form of violence is accompanied by physical harm due to the increased threats upon victims and may also lead to child delinquency as adolescents strive to defend themselves (Bonomi et al. 821). Generally, Miller et al. (607-618) note that sexual violence has resulted in intractable health issues on women such as abortion, high and risky sexual behaviors, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality. Other effects include physical and mental retardations on victims, risk of HIV infections, and reduced cognitive development.
Risk Factors
According to Casey and Masters, a report on a study carried by the CDC shows that several risk factors influence these forms of violence. The research indicates that these factors vary depending on each adolescent’s abuse; however, there exist common elements that relate to these violence (Casey and Masters). For instance, as Casey and Masters note, children who have witnessed violence at home or anywhere are vulnerable to sexual abuse (Miller et al. 607-618). A recent study also indicates that kids from low-income families also exhibit high chances of sexual violence. Poor relationships with parents, especially in cases of absence of one parent or instance of step-parents, have also been linked to adolescent violence (Miller et al. 607-618). According to Casey and Masters, unrestricted child behaviors such as exposure to phonographic materials and drug abuse may induce cases of sexual harassment in which kids exercise with others. Therefore, the government needs to adopt lucrative measures to counter this spreading violence among teens currently (Miller et al. 607-618). For instance, setting up emergency call numbers to deal with cases of rape, establishing counseling faculties to help victims of violence recover and cope, and educating youths against sexual violence.
Conclusion
As kids grow, so does the vulnerabilities associated with teenage development increase. Adolescent violence is at its peak currently with forms such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and dating violence. Risk factors such as childhood exposure to violence, low-income family background, exploitive parenting, drug and substance abuse, and exposure to phonographic materials have considerably inflated cases of sexual violence. Youths in the US and around the world are every day exposed to these crimes, and until the government implements effective policies to counter these issues, the security of the teenage generation is at stake. Parents should also stand up to their role and monitor the behavior of their kids, which will help detect early cases of assaults alongside inhibiting any factors that may trigger such violence. Such efforts will help keep our youths safe and reduce this growing pandemic for once.
Work Cited
Bonomi, Amy E., et al. “History of dating violence and the association with late adolescent health.” BMC Public Health 13.1 (2013): 821.
Busch-Armendariz, Noël, et al. “Research methods report: Cultivating learning and safe environments–An empirical study of prevalence and perceptions of sexual harassment, stalking, dating/domestic abuse and violence, and unwanted sexual contact.” Campus Sexual Assault & Misconduct (2017).
Casey, Erin A., and Tatiana Masters. “Sexual violence risk and protective factors: A systematic review of the literature.” Injury and Violence Prevention (2017).
Miller, Shari, et al. “Dating violence, bullying, and sexual harassment: Longitudinal profiles and transitions over time.” Journal of Youth and Adolescence 42.4 (2013): 607-618.
Ngo, Quyen M., et al. “Adolescent sexual violence: Prevalence, adolescent risks, and violence characteristics.” Preventive medicine 116 (2018): 68-74.