Analysis of the Relationship Between Sexual Violence and Assertive Behavior in Young Spanish Adults

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Research on sexual violence is of particular importance because of the prevalence and consequences of such violence in the young adult population. The identification of possible protective factors may be one step towards helping ameliorate this problem. We therefore analyzed the relationship between sexual violence and assertive behaviors in a population of young adults. Method A cross-sectional, correlational study. Data were collected between February 7, 2022, and August 9, 2022, in a population of young adults from Spanish universities. The sample consisted of 473 young adults between 19 and 24 years of age. Results The prevalence of violence perpetrated and experienced in the sample was high. Men reported a higher level of violence perpetration than women. Relationships are indicated between different types of assertive behaviors and sexual violence. In this regard, a higher degree of assertive behavior as a response is a protective factor against experiencing sexual violence in both sexes, while non-assertive behavior is a risk factor. In the case of sexual violence perpetration, overly assertive behavior is a risk factor. Conclusions A number of assertive behaviors were identified that may be considered risk or protective factors for sexual violence. Policy Implications Research enables the development of targeted, evidence-based intervention programs that can lead to a reduction in sexual violence in the young adult population.