Violence Against Adolescent Girls

Violence Against Adolescent Girls

Violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual and emotional violence, and varies in its severity. While all adolescents may experience violence, being a girl presents unique vulnerabilities – some with consequences that can last a lifetime. Countries and governments are increasingly articulating commitments that guarantee girls safe and equal access to entitlements, services, social participation, and economic opportunities. Yet threats of violence in many forms—culturally affirmed (child marriage, female genital mutilation), intimate (carried out by family members and partners), casual (carried out by strangers), and planned (trafficking)— intervene to prevent girls from claiming their rights.

There exists a long continuum of violence faced by adolescent girls on a daily basis, usually at the hands of people closest to them – family, caregivers, peers and intimate partners.

Acceptance of violence shrinks a girl’s sense of self, the hours of the day, and their lives. The consequences of violence at such a young age are so grave that prevention needs to be the first priority. It is only when #caringfamilies #alertcommunities and #responsivegovernments come together, that children will be protected. #endviolencenotchildhood