Affective-sexual Relationships Research Articles

Digital Violence in University Student Couples: England vs. Spain.

This research studies the prevalence of digital violence exercised through new information and communication technology (ICT) among university couples. A comparative study was carried out in England, United Kingdom, and in Spain with 831 participants. A quantitative methodology was applied with different sampling: in the United Kingdom, 303 (MAge = 22.79; SD; 47.32; 58.7% male) and in Spain, 528 (MAge = 24.29; SD = 21.41; 69.5% female). An ad hoc questionnaire was used, created for the detection, measurement and analysis of digital violence within affective-sexual relationships. The results reveal proportions of 51.04% and 49.82% in the perception of digital violence through electronic devices in dating relationships among young people; 15.84% and 11.05% in the prevalence of digital violence in young couples' relationships; 9.36% and 6.17% in the prevalence of traditional violence; and 35.78% and 22.43% in the tolerance of digital violence among students, for the English and Spanish samples, respectively. The results also show a slightly lower prevalence of digital violence in the Spanish sample with respect to the English sample, where females scored slightly higher in the perpetration of digital violence. There is a need to develop awareness, training and prevention programs against digital violence in the university context.

Educational intervention on sexual violence to empower university students in developing healthy affective-sexual relationships

IntroductionSexual violence (SV) is frequent in universities, and a link has been demonstrated between SV and toxic substance use by university students in leisure settings. In Spain there is little scientific evidence in this regard, and SV prevention programmes are practically non-existent in Spanish universities. ObjectivesTo develop, implement, and evaluate an educational awareness-raising intervention regarding SV aimed at empowering university students to develop healthy affective-sexual relationships. MethodsParticipatory action research intervention, implemented with a convenience sample of students recruited in a public university and qualitatively evaluated using a phenomenological approach. ResultsThe sample was composed of 22 women students, whose discourse revealed that SV acts are normalized in university leisure settings featured by the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. Post-intervention, the participants showed an increased understanding of SV, a heightened awareness of SV, and a greater capacity to identify SV acts. The intervention empowered the participants in terms of coping with SV situations and in raising awareness in their own social circles. ConclusionsThe intervention changed the participants' attitudes and behaviours regarding SV, empowering them not only regarding their own affective-sexual relationships, but also in censoring attitudes and behaviours that foster SV, and in transmitting their acquired knowledge of SV in their social circles. Post-intervention, the participants considered themselves to be agents of social change in their environment and in terms of healthy affective-sexual relationships. Public contributionUniversity students participated in and evaluated an intervention that trained them to identify and to censor attitudes and behaviours that promote SV, empowered them as engines of social change, and showed them how to foster healthy affective-sexual relationships.

“Nobody puts Baby in a corner” placing attractiveness in dancing coupled with alternative masculinities and affective-sexual relationships in Dirty Dancing film

ABSTRACT The success and popularity of the film Dirty Dancing (1987) placed it at the center of research interest. Many articles have been published about it, including supposedly critical analyses interpreting it as classist and sexist (Giroux, 1989). However, none of these analyses present evidence about femininity and masculinity models and affective-sexual relationships developed in the film. In this paper, the main protagonist, Johnny, and his antagonist, Robbie, are analysed in the scenes in which they interact with the protagonist, Baby, and the secondary characters, Penny and Lisa. The results show that Robbie’s character corresponds mainly to a toxic model of masculinity while the protagonist Johnny’s character corresponds mainly to an alternative model of masculinity. The affective-sexual relationships they establish are also reported. In her relationship with Robbie, Penny has an unwanted pregnancy and is depicted by him. Conversely, Johnny introduces Baby in dancing, they start a relationship, and she evolves in the film in improving security and self-esteem. Dancing as an attractive key issue in the film is placed in this last relationship. Finally, the article discusses the possible role of the film in promoting the attractiveness of dance coupled with more egalitarian relationships and alternative models of masculinity.

A cluster analysis of the family dynamics in a family prevention programme for adolescents from vulnerable families

ABSTRACT In social work with families, evidence-based programmes increase the chances of effective applications. Additionally, family prevention programmes are an excellent opportunity to bond with families and work effectively with them. The Family Competence Programme-AFECT 12–16 pursues the prevention of new risk behaviours in adolescents in the field of addictions and affective-sexual relationships, given the social changes that have occurred in adolescence in recent years. After the application of the programme with new contents and the incorporation of the motivational interview, an evaluation is carried out. This evaluation confirms three types of participating families. It is relevant to verify the effectiveness of the programme and that the different results of the families are not associated with family vulnerability or with the structure of the families. In conclusion, it should be noted that a preventive intervention of a selective type, aimed at families at risk, is effective after its content update, with the incorporation of new content related to addictive behaviours and affective-sexual relationships.

"It's a Lot of Closets to Come Out of in This Life": Experiences of Brazilian Gay Men Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at the Time of Diagnosis and Its Biopsychosocial Impacts.

We investigated the experiences of Brazilian gay men with HIV, focusing on the moment of diagnosis and its potential biopsychosocial impacts. This clinical-qualitative study involved 15 participants interviewed online and synchronously by a clinical psychologist in 2021. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Interpretations were grounded in Minority Stress Theory. Four thematic axes emerged, including "Diagnostic Revelation", "Social and Internalized Stigma", "Biopsychosocial Effects of Living with HIV", and "Gratitude for Treatment Advances and the Brazilian Health System". The diagnosis was often experienced as traumatic, exacerbated by the absence of empathy and emotional support from healthcare providers. Participants commonly reported guilt, fear upon learning of their HIV status, social isolation, loneliness, lack of social support, and damage to affective-sexual relationships. Many also noted a decline in mental health, even those without HIV-related medical complications. Despite over 40 years since the HIV epidemic began, the prevalence of homophobia and serophobia among gay men remains widespread, including within the multidisciplinary teams of specialized services. This indicates that the stigma associated with homosexuality and HIV persists, despite significant biomedical progress in the diagnosis and treatment of the infection, particularly in Brazil.

Women with intellectual disabilities and motherhood: barriers, supports and demands

Background For many women with intellectual disabilities, motherhood is both important and highly desired. However, barriers to, and prejudices against, their maternity still exist. Aims To explore the perceptions of a group of nine women with intellectual disabilities regarding motherhood, whether they have children or have contemplated this option, in order to identify the barriers they face or expect to face, the support they have received or think they will receive, and the demands they make in this regard. Methods and Procedures Nine women, distributed in two groups, participated in 20 focus group sessions discussing affective-sexual relationships. The subject of maternity was covered in 15 of these sessions. The focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Outcomes and Results The results are structured around four main axes: barriers, perceptions, demands, and support. Conclusions and Implications The women defended their right to decide whether to become mothers and expressed their rejection of the stigma attached to it. The barriers identified were difficulty in access to accommodation, and a lack of resources, information and training adapted to their needs. To overcome these barriers, the women suggested the formation of groups of mothers with intellectual disabilities, support in finding housing and pre- and post-natal training. Finally, the women also noted how important it was that their voices be heard, and that they be represented.

“You Fall in Love with the Person”: Narratives of Female Athletes Coming Out of the Closet in Competitive Sports Teams of Spain

IntroductionPrevious research has shown that team sports are perceived as spaces conducive to homonegativism or as havens where female athletes can explore their sexuality. This paper aims to analyze the role of team sports in the discovery, acceptance, and respectful lived experiences of lesbian sexuality among competitive female athletes.MethodsA qualitative methodology was used. Five focus groups organized by sport and the age of the athletes were conducted. Forty-five female athletes participated in the study. Data were collected from May 2017 to February 2018. Grounded theory was employed for the analysis.ResultsThe athletes’ narratives suggest that the visibility of non-heterosexual persons, time spent together, emotional closeness, and similar lifestyles are features of team sports which allow lesbian female athletes to explore and establish affective-sexual relationships. These athletes participate in team sports because of their personal interest in the sport and not their sexual orientation.ConclusionsSports teams have a protective and liberating role in female athletes’ sexual exploration and the free and respectful experience of same-sex relationships in the Spanish sporting environment.Policy Implications.Although the democratization of sexuality in Spain has been positive for women in sport, further research is needed to determine whether gay men can participate in sport with full social protection.

Perspectives of Women with Intellectual Disabilities Regarding Affective Sexual Relationships: a Systematic Literature Review

IntroductionDespite the recognition of the right to sexual identity and expression for all people, individuals with intellectual disabilities continue to face significant restrictions in these aspects of their lives. The prevailing myths and stereotypes surrounding their sexual-affective relationships place people with intellectual disabilities—especially women—in a position of great vulnerability.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted, examining the content of the following databases: BASE, Dialnet, ERIC, La Referencia, Microsoft Academic, Redalyc, REDIB, Redined, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and World Wide Science. A total of 178 potentially relevant articles were identified, out of which 11 met the eligibility criteria. Finally, the themes covered in the articles were identified and analyzed.ResultsThe results obtained were classified into six categories: perceptions regarding sex and sexuality, experiences of abuse, views and experiences of relationships between couples, the LGTBIQ + community, knowledge about contraception and related experiences, and, finally, beliefs regarding gender scripts.ConclusionsThis study offers valuable insights into the knowledge (or lack thereof) and beliefs regarding sex and sexuality, experiences of abuse among women with intellectual disabilities, the lack of independence and external intervention, and the influence of traditional gender scripts. Furthermore, this research also establishes a theoretical foundation for future support resources and initiatives, as well as social and public implications.

Digital Violence in Affective-Sexual Relationships among Spanish University Students

Digital Violence in Affective-Sexual Relationships among Spanish University Students

Affectivity, sexuality, and autism spectrum disorder: qualitative analysis of the experiences of autistic young adults and their families

BackgroundAutistic people have communication, sensorial, and social difficulties, which on many occasions, make their adaptation on the sexual and affective levels difficult. For this reason, it is important to know the opinion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, to offer this perspective to professionals to facilitate adapted health education programs in mental health units.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive design presents the experiences of autistic individuals and their families in relation to the affective-sexual experiences from individual, family, and social perspectives. Two focus group sessions were held with eight family members and seven individual semi-structured interviews with autistic young adults. The transcripts were qualitatively analysed using content analysis.ResultsFour themes (Family and social dynamic; Social behaviour of the autistic individual; Affective-sexual relationships; Addressing affective and sex education) and 13 related categories emerged from these results. Communication and social interaction problems act as barriers for young adults when developing affective-sexual relationships, leading to the emergence of negative feelings and experiences that reinforce avoidance behaviours, further intensifying their difficulties in interacting with others. Families, especially mothers, exhibit a poor perception of their ability to provide affective-sexual guidance, leading to anxiety and frustration. There are also reports of poor sex education and lack of support systems.Conclusions and implications for practiceThe experiences of young people and their families are sometimes conflicting when it comes to affectivity and sexuality, but the parental role emerges as relevant in the sex education process. Families play a pivotal role in sex education, which is why professionals should provide them with support and information through health education programmes, foster empathetic communication and promote sexual and emotional development that is adapted to the characteristics and interests of autistic people.

Sexuality and affectivity after a grieving process for an antenatal death: a qualitative study of fathers' experiences

The loss of an infant at the prenatal stage is one of the most traumatic events parents can experience. Prenatal losses have several negative implications for parents’ physical, psychological, and social well-being, including intimacy and sexuality. Fathers who suffer from this experience have to cope not only with their grief, but also with the physical and emotional suffering of their partners. The social context gives the father a masculine role of strength, insensitivity, and protection of the mother, with the result that his pain and grief become invisible. The objective of this study is to understand fathers’ experience of affective-sexual relationships after a grieving process for an antenatal death; A qualitative study based on interviews with 11 fathers in Spain who have experienced an antenatal death was conducted. Data were analyzed with the help of ATLAS.ti software to discover emerging themes. 6 sub-themes were developed from the analysis, grouped into two main themes: the invisibility of grieving fathers and the relationships between the grieving parents are influenced by the death of their infants. The sexuality of fathers who suffer an antenatal death is altered. Gender stereotypes and the lack of social and professional awareness make their grief invisible. Fathers need to express their emotions to cope with their own grief and break the stereotypical gendered bereavement. In most cases, the couple’s relationship is altered, from a close union to a more distant relationship, in addition to a decrease in sexual desire and arousal. However, other fathers experienced greater closeness and intimacy in the couple. A communication based on sincerity, exposing their own grief, feelings, emotions and needs could help the couple’s relationship.

Subtleties of affective-sexual relationships between women in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Resumo: Os discursos normativizantes que oprimem as mulheres lésbicas prescrevem como legítima a heterossexualidade como base de funcionamento da organização social. Para reforçar a heteronormatividade, a existência lésbica é mantida invisibilizada ou desqualificada como sexualidade volúvel. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar as sutilezas do relacionamento afetivo entre mulheres como insurgências frente a esse apagamento. Para tanto, parte-se da leitura do filme Retrato de uma Jovem em Chamas, com base nas teorias feministas de gênero. Tendo como método a etnografia de tela, as análises foram amparadas na descrição de diálogos/cenas extraídos/as da narrativa cinematográfica. Inspiradas na arte, as protagonistas criam soluções criativas para desatar os nós das amarras que as impedem de viverem plenamente a relação. A obra celebra a potência subversiva do amor entre mulheres, não apenas pelo vértice do vínculo amoroso, mas também de diferentes alianças e relações de cumplicidade e sororidade possíveis.

Trans Men’s Perceptions and Expectations of Post-Transition Affective-Sexual Relationships

Resumo As identidades transmasculinas ganharam visibilidade social e acadêmica no Brasil a partir de 2010, contudo, as questões subjetivas dos homens trans ainda são pouco debatidas, em particular temas associados aos relacionamentos afetivos na experiência desses sujeitos. Este estudo qualitativo tem por objetivo identificar as percepções e expectativas dos homens trans acerca dos relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais no cenário pós-transição de gênero. Participaram da pesquisa 15 homens transexuais hormonizados, com idades entre 20 e 41 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada nas modalidades presencial e on-line. Empregou-se análise temática reflexiva, que resultou em dois temas analíticos. Os resultados apontam que os homens trans, ao contrário de suas expectativas iniciais, percebem que tiveram menos oportunidades de relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais depois de sua transição de gênero. Os participantes atribuem essa dificuldade especialmente ao fato de não terem se submetido à cirurgia de redesignação sexual. O desconforto é acentuado por sua materialidade corpórea divergente da cisnormatividade, sistema regulador que associa pessoas pertencentes ao gênero masculino à presença de um pênis. Outra fonte de desconforto é o repúdio social, que alimenta a abjeção, exotização e fetichização dos corpos transmasculinos. Também são descritas as especificidades do relacionamento dos homens trans com mulheres cisgênero, heterossexuais e lésbicas. Os resultados evidenciam que a fixação persistente no genital, como referente e signo determinante do gênero e da sexualidade, modula e regula a busca e o encontro de parceira(o) íntima(o).

Descriptive study: Affective-sexual profile of men and women with severe mental disorders

ABSTRACT Introduction The affective-sexual relationships of people with severe mental disorders is a topic rarely found in the literature. Objective Present comparative data on affective-sexual lived experiences of men and women diagnosed with major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Methods Cross-sectional study, through interviews, with 70 people diagnosed with severe mental disorder (major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), enrolled in a psychiatric institute in São Paulo-SP/ Brazil. All were rated with some items from two questionnaires: “Socioeconomic” and “Relationship inventory of family, affective and sexual life”. All items were analyzed and compared according to gender. Results The genders groups are not homogeneous regarding diagnosis, age, marital status, professional status, number of children and living with. Men were younger (M = 37; SD = 4.66), singles (N = 32; 89%), prevalence of schizophrenia (N = 30; SD = 83,5%), unemployed (N = 23; 64%), childless and living with family members (N = 34; 94,5%). Older women (M = 48; 4.66), with more diagnostic diversity (N = 9; 26,5% major depression, N = 13; 38% schizophrenia and N = 12; 35,5% bipolar disorder), marital status (N = 8; 24% married, N = 7; 21% separate and N = 18; 53% singles), professional situation (N = 14; 41% retired and N = 19; 56% unemployed), with a child and living with family member (N = 20; 59%) or partners (N = 8; 23,5%) or alone (N = 6; 17,5%). Both genders are similar for race, sexual orientation, education and family income (mostly white, heterosexual, incomplete high school, catholic, and average family income (N= 3.750 reais; SD = 1451.129). Men had earlier onset of sexual life and with greater diversity among the types of partners in the first experience and a greater practice and current frequency of masturbation. Women had a later on sexual life and with boyfriends; and lesser practice and frequency of masturbation. In the items: if you ever dated, how long it lasted and the degree of intimacy, men and women showed similarities regarding having already had a dating relationship during life, with sexual relations and lasting up to 1 month; there were similarities in terms of majority never having experienced an unsuccessful relationship, not currently having partners and not having had any sexual dysfunction. P value <0.05 were considered statistical significant. Conclusions Women haven greater experiences with affective and sexual relationships than men, with dating, marriage, sexual relations and children. The women are more independent when it comes to leaving their parents' homes and living alone or with partners. The fact that most men are diagnosed with schizophrenia tends to compromise their functional abilities more than other diagnoses, justifying the better performance in women's affective-sexual relationships. It study contributes with others focused on the neglect of sexual life and risky sexual behavior among men and women with severe mental disorders, in order to encourage care for the promotion of sexual health and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Women's Satisfaction with Their Sexual Life and Its Relationship with the Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Sexual satisfaction (SS) is defined as an affective response arising from one’s subjective evaluation of the positive and negative dimensions associated with one’s sexual relationship. It is an important indicator of health. In women, SS has an important personal component consisting of the physical experiences of pleasure and the positive feelings and emotions that they experience in their affective-sexual relationships. The socioeconomic position is determined by income, educational level, and work, and it conditions women’s sexual health. We aimed to assess whether social determinants of health (income, education, work, and gender) are associated with women’s sexual satisfaction and to identify whether the impact of social determinants on sexual satisfaction differs with psychotropic consumption. We conducted a cross-sectional study designed to assess the association between variables related to the social determinants of health (work, education, income, and gender) and sexual satisfaction in women of reproductive age in La Rioja (Spain). The women in this study ranged in age from 17 to 52 years, with a mean age of 33.4 (Standar Deviation 8.6). Most were Spanish (82.9%), had undertaken non-compulsory specialized education (84%), and worked (72.7%). Regarding their relationships, 87% maintained monogamous relationships, 84.5% had stable relationships, and 65.7% lived with their partners. In total, 12.3% of the women were taking psychotropic drugs prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and/or depression. We observed that SS is significantly lower among women who have only undertaken compulsory education (Student-t = −4.745; p < 0.01), in those who have unstable affective-sexual relationships (Student-t = −2.553; p < 0.01), and in those who take psychotropic drugs (Student-t = −4.180, p < 0.01). We conclude that the social determinants of health such as education, not continuing to study beyond compulsory education, gender, and taking psychoactive drugs have a significant impact on women’s degree of satisfaction with their sexual life.

Vulnerabilidades sociais e iniciação sexual entre 10 e 14 anos em estudantes do município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sexual initiation of pupils aged 10 to 14 who attended the second year of public and private high school in the IX Administrative Region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and to identify the most vulnerable subgroups. The sample consisted of 694 pupils who were selected through cluster-based and stratified sampling by considering school type (public or private) and course type (daytime or evening). Information was collected by means of a structured self-administered questionnaire. The chi-square test (χ2) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the heterogeneity of proportions among subgroups. The prevalence of the event was 18.4%; it was higher in boys, in subgroups of greater social vulnerability, among those who hooked up/dated up to 14 years of age, in victims of sexual violence in affective-sexual relationships and in pupils showing health risk behaviors. The high rate of sexual initiation in early adolescence, especially in more vulnerable groups, shows that the situation must be understood and addressed by means of intersectoral public policies that take into account a social context of multiple needs rather than reproductive health alone.

Affective-Sexual Relationships of Incarcerated Women in Brazilian Mixed Prisons

Resumo Este artigo pretende discutir os relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais de mulheres aprisionadas a partir de seis estudos de caso com reclusas em um presídio misto brasileiro de pequeno porte. Utilizaram-se como instrumentos entrevistas semiestruturadas, analisadas a partir da criminologia crítica feminista e da teoria do apego de John Bowlby. Os relacionamentos afetivo-sexuais da vida adulta foram compreendidos a partir das vivências da infância, marcadas pela insatisfação de suas necessidades afetivas, violências múltiplas, rompimentos de vínculos afetivos e desejo de constituição de uma família entendida como tradicional. Na prisão, enfrentam limitações para o contato, rompimentos e, algumas vezes, o fortalecimento dos relacionamentos. Em todos os casos analisados, aspiram reiterar a função do ser mulher por meio da constituição de uma família para a obtenção do reconhecimento enquanto sujeito. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de questionamento das normativas sociais de gênero, das restrições ao contato impostas nas prisões e da atual política de encarceramento brasileira.

Psychological difficulties of LVAD patients and caregivers: A follow up over one year from discharge.

BackgroundAfter the rehabilitation program, patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are discharged home, but the adaption to the daily life with the implant is challenging, both with practical and psychological consequences. Literature is lacking detailed information about the quality of life of LVAD patients and caregivers after discharge to home.ObjectiveThis study aimed at evaluating the post‐discharge outcomes of both LVAD patients and their caregivers in terms of quality of life, affectivity, and psychological health.MethodsIn this observational follow‐up study, LVAD dyads discharged home from 1 year to 6 years were re‐contacted by phone and received by mail an envelope with self‐report questionnaires. Responses of 39 complete dyads of patients (mean age 68.59 ± 4.31; males: 92.31%) and their caregivers (mean age 61.59 ± 11.64; males: 17.95%) were analyzed.ResultsPatients and caregivers reported the moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and caregiver strain, and Illness denial and conscious avoidance were associated between them. The couples often reported that the LVAD has impairments for their sleep and for their affective–sexual relationship. Caregivers often reported impairment in social life and self‐care.DiscussionsDespite the satisfaction for the medical and territorial assistance, patients showed psychological difficulties such as anxious and depressive symptoms and caregivers tend to neglect themselves. Even after a long time from discharge to home, the psychological distress of LVAD patients and caregivers is still considerable. Structured and continuous psychological interventions are required to support their psychological health overtime after the discharge to home.

Evidence of Gender Violence Negative Impact on Health as a Lever to Change Adolescents' Attitudes and Preferences towards Dominant Traditional Masculinities.

Women and girls experience gender violence from a young age. Scientific research has presented evidence of the negative impact of toxic relationships and toxic stress on physical and psychological health. However, less is known on how this evidence can have a preventive effect. Knowing these impacts can be important for women and girls to decide the type of affective-sexual relationships they want to have, and even transform their attraction towards different types of masculinity. This study presents results from the MEMO4LOVE project. Researchers use mixed-methods approaches, including a questionnaire (n = 141) to study adolescents’ peer groups’ interactions that promoted healthy or toxic affective-sexual relationships, and five communicative focus groups with boys and girls to analyze how these interactions can be transformed by sharing scientific knowledge on the effects of violent relationships with adolescents. The results showed the impact of sharing with adolescents the evidence of the adverse effects of toxic relationships with violent masculinities on health. The peer group’s transformation occurred: non-violent boys gained self-confidence, and girls redirected or reinforced their attraction to non-violent boys. These results suggest the potential positive effects of knowing the impacts of toxic relationships on girls’ health.

"Dating is pure suffering": violence within affective-sexual relationships between adolescents in a school in the Costa Verde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This work is the result of a master's thesis that aimed to understand students' perceptions of violence within affective-sexual relationships between adolescents in a public school in the Costa Verde, Rio de Janeiro. The study corpus was derived from participant observation in the school and in-depth interviews with three girls and three boys aged between 18 and 24 years. The core areas of analysis were affective-sexual trajectories, experiences involving violence within relationships, and agency in the face of conflict. The findings reveal that violence is part of the everyday lives of adolescents and reinforce the victim/aggressor dichotomy. The adolescents' interpretations of violence were divided into two categories: "suffering" and "serious acts of violence". These understandings influence the recognition of violence and agency. The reproduction of gender norms contributes to sustaining gender hierarchy and inequalities, which affect girls and boys differently. Silence on this issue contributes to the invisibility of violence within relationships and the consequent failure to seek support from relevant organizations and services. Further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of violence within affective-sexual relationships between adolescents.