Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences of Adolescents in Urban India

Abstract

Purpose Research from developing countries suggests that nonconsensual sexual experiences are common, yet these experiences remain understudied. Methods We describe the prevalence and factors associated with nonconsensual sexual experiences of unmarried adolescents (583 boys and 474 girls), ages 15–19 years, from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Delhi, India. We also describe their reports of perpetrators. Results Thirty-two percent of boys and 42% of girls reported being touched against their will. After multivariate adjustment, both boys and girls who had ever worked (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76, p = .05 and OR = 1.79, p = .004, respectively) and those who had a friend of the opposite gender (OR = 3.64, p = .0001 and OR = 2.19, p = .0001, respectively) were more likely to report the experience. The most commonly reported perpetrators were female friends for boys (60%) and strangers for girls (93%). Fifteen percent of boys and 3% of girls reported that someone forcibly tried to have a physical relationship with them. Boys who had ever worked (OR = 3.73, p = .007) were more likely to report the experience. Both boys and girls who had a friend of the opposite sex were more likely to report attempted forced physical relationship (OR = 3.73, p = .0001 and OR = 3.41, p = .03, respectively). The most commonly reported perpetrators were female friends for boys (72%) and neighbors (60%) for girls. Conclusions Nonconsensual sex is a common experience for these adolescents and there are important gender differences in experience and type of perpetrator. The findings underscore the need to develop programs that enable young people to prevent and cope with nonconsensual sexual experiences.