A new research has revealed that more than four in ten teenage schoolgirls in England have experienced sexual coercion in relationships.
Most were pressured to have sex or other sexual activity, but some cases included rape and many of the 13-17-year-olds had also suffered physical attacks, like slapping, punching, strangling and being beaten with an object, intimidation or emotional abuse from their boyfriends.
The research also found that a high proportion of teenage boys regularly viewed pornography and one in five harboured extremely negative attitudes towards women.
Lead author Christine Barter said that their research findings show that across Europe violence and abuse, both offline and online, in young people's relationships constitutes a major problem, yet in most countries it remains unrecognised leaving young people with little support or appropriate services.
Claire Lilley, head of child safety online at the charity, said that the levels of victimisation revealed by this research shows action is urgently needed by the government to make updated sex and relationship education a statutory right for every child and young person. There needs to be a greater focus in schools on topics such as sexual exploitation and violence against girls and young women, as part of a balanced curriculum.
Lilley added that the high rates of sexual coercion discovered need to be addressed through education and awareness raising that challenges attitudes and helps change behavior and they need to nurture children to have positive relationships based on mutual respect.
Katie, a 15-year-old who took part in the survey in England, said that she had relationships where she wouldn't be able to go out with her friends because they'd get angry with her and she has been raped and other things like that.
Nicky Stanley said that teenage girls reported serious distress and harm following abusive behaviour from boyfriends. Education and campaigns need to challenge stereotypical behaviour and attitudes in boys and the law in this area should be clearly communicated to young people, their parents and teachers.