Age Of Consent Research Articles

Risky Sexual Behaviour and the Associated Factors Among Secondary School Youths in Khorixas, Namibia

Background: Like most African countries, Namibia has a large percentage of its population in the youthful age group, most of whom are in secondary school. In Namibia, the age of consent for sex is 16 years but, in most cases, children have their sexual debut way below the age of 16 years. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and the associated factors among secondary school youths aged 15-21 years in the Khorixas district of the Kunene Region in Namibia. Methods: This was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from 276 learners, selected from three public schools in the Khorixas district employing a cluster sampling technique. Information on demographics and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour was gathered. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software which included descriptive statistics generating frequencies and percentages. Results: The study revealed the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour among secondary school youths in Khorixas district, Kunene region of Namibia to be 78.9%. The risky sexual behaviour identified included multiple partners, nonuse of condoms and early sexual debut. Gender, place of residence, parental educational level, peer pressure, alcohol use/abuse, and watching pornographic content were some of the factors found to lead to risky sexual behaviour among the youths in this district of Namibia. Conclusion: Risky sexual behaviour is common in secondary schools in Khorixas district of Namibia. This sexual behaviour may follow these youngsters to adulthood and may significantly affect their social and reproductive life. Complications resulting from risky sexual behaviour among school youths include contracting STIs and HIV, getting unwanted/unplanned pregnancies and dropping out of school prematurely.

Child Marriage in “Hitaw” and Mādīyān

Abstract Child marriage, the union between a child below the age of consent and a spouse who is the same age or older, remains a prevalent practice in Iran. Often these marriages involve young girls betrothed to much older men as a result of economic arrangements between the girl’s guardian and the groom. This practice imposes numerous physical and psychological hardships on the child bride, whose domestic and reproductive labor becomes bound to a man she chose not to marry. By analyzing “Hitaw” (1973), by Ali Ashraf Darvishiyan, and Mādīyān (1986), directed by Ali Zhakan, this article aims to examine the perceptions and portrayals of these girls and their sexuality within the realm of art and literature. Through this analysis it seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political dynamics that perpetuate child marriage and impact the lives of young girls in Iran.

Risky sexual behaviour and its determinants among undergraduate students residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour (RSB) and its associated factors among Nepalese undergraduates residing in hostels of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal.DesignCross-sectional studySettingHostels operating inside Kathmandu Metropolitan City...

The Age of Consent in India

The Age of Consent in India

Policies and Practices Facilitating Access to and Uptake of HIV Testing Services among Adolescents in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Narrative Review.

Expanding access to HIV testing services and linking newly diagnosed positive adolescents to antiretroviral therapy is critical to epidemic control. However, testing coverage and treatment initiation rates continue to lag behind adult counterparts. This article synthesizes evidence on facilitative policies and service delivery practices focused on adolescents to inform programming. Our narrative review found that national policies are growing more adolescent-inclusive but barriers around the age of consent, waiver frameworks and dissemination constrain translate into practice. Facility-based provider-initiated testing through integrated sexual health services and dedicated youth centres demonstrates uptake effectiveness if confidentiality and youth-friendly adaptations are assured. Supportive policies, youth-responsive adaptations across testing models and strengthening age-disaggregated monitoring are vital to improving adolescents' engagement across the HIV testing and treatment cascade. Further implementation research is imperative to expand the reach of adolescent HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sexual harassment, abuse and intimate relationships between coaches and athletes: a systematic review

ABSTRACT While sexual harassment and abuse (SHA) can be perpetrated by various individuals in sport, coaches have been studied as one of the most frequent perpetrators due to their physical and emotional proximity to athletes. This systematic review attempted to evaluate the past 20 years of research (2003–2023) examining SHA and inappropriate intimate relationships between coaches and athletes. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline, 20 studies that met the eligibility criteria were identified using four databases (PubMed, PsycNET, ScienceDirect and SportDiscus). Findings reveal common thematic measures among the studies reviewed, including characteristics of SHA (n = 9), coach-athlete sexual relationships (CASR; n = 7) and grooming (n = 4). Based on the narrative synthesis of each thematic measure, SHA in sport is experienced and/or perceived as various forms of sexual misconduct, ranging from harassment (e.g. sexual jokes, unwanted comments, fondling) to abusive behaviors (e.g. kissing, showing coach's private body parts, sexual intercourse). Although some studies show the acceptance of CASR especially when athletes are above the age of legal consent, the strong majority of studies suggest that CASR in general is harmful and unacceptable given the unequal power dynamics between the two parties. Additionally, grooming was often involved as a conscious strategy to cross athletes’ personal boundaries for eventual sexual misconduct through building trust and manifesting seemingly innocuous behaviors. Overall, these findings shed light on the current state of research on SHA occurring between coaches and athletes and have implications for sport governing bodies and organizations to be better aware of the issue, which in turn can result in creating a safer environment for youth athletes.

Criminal liability for sexual offences against minors in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom

The subject of the study is the types and forms of criminally punishable sexual violence against children available in the legislation of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom. The author examines in detail the descriptions of the circle of persons who may be subjects of sexual acts with minors, enshrined in various legal norms of these countries. Their comparative characteristics are carried out, positive trends that can be implemented in the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation are identified. The concepts of "statutory rape" and "age of sexual consent", unknown to the Russian legal doctrine, are considered. The issues of compensation for harm caused to minors who suffered from sexual acts are investigated. Based on the dialectical method of cognition of the surrounding reality, the study is based on a comparative analysis of the provisions of US criminal law on the example of legislative acts of various states, Canada and the United Kingdom on combating child sexual abuse. The main conclusions of the study are: the legislation of the Anglo-Saxon countries recognizes various types of sexual violence against minors as acts of special public danger: the severity and effectiveness of punishment for these acts are quite high; The degree of elaboration of definitions concerning sexual crimes is more extensive and detailed, fixed in the norms of criminal legislation. Legally, the concepts are given and the measure of responsibility for such actions with minors as incest, sodomy, pederasty, oral copulation is defined, the pitchforks of obscene or lascivious actions and a number of others are described in detail. The additional civil liability of an adult who has had sexual intercourse with a minor in the form of monetary compensation deserves attention. The legislation of foreign countries is able to enrich the domestic norms of the criminal code in the case of the implementation of certain substantive provisions.

Law Commission of India report on the age of consent: Denying justice and autonomy to adolescents.

The 22nd Law Commission of India (henceforth, the Commission) [1], in its recent 283rd report, offered its recommendation on the question of age of consent (AoC) to sexual activity. Two High Courts which have seen several cases of non-exploitative consensual sex involving adolescent girls, filed by the police under "sexual assault", had referred this issue to the Commission. The substantive matter before the Commission was whether to lower the AoC to prevent unnecessary prosecutions and resolve the contradictions in sexual violence laws. In this regard, we find the report rather disappointing. It is a lost opportunity to decriminalise adolescent sexuality, to restore the autonomy of adolescent girls over their bodies, uphold their sexual and reproductive rights, and respect their evolving capacity to exercise their sexuality. The Commission has also let go of a chance to undo a highly protectionist clause in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012 [2] which renders all sexual activity of individuals under the age of 18 an offence. It failed to reiterate the progressive recommendations made by the Justice Verma Committee Report in 2013 [3] in this regard, which had come after extensive deliberations and were widely welcomed by stakeholders.

Why Should the Age of Consent Be Reduced to 16 Years From 18 Years?

Why Should the Age of Consent Be Reduced to 16 Years From 18 Years?

Level of Knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Among the Teenage Mothers and Their Parents in Rwanda: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Parents are the primary caregivers and influential figures in adolescents' lives. They play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding sexual reproductive health. A vast difference in knowledge between adolescents and their parents indicates failure in knowledge translation and is associated with sexual and reproductive consequences, such as teenage pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study between December 2020 and December 2021, 834 teenage mothers and their parents/guardians (n = 861) were enrolled from all five provinces of Rwanda. Knowledge of sexual reproductive health (SRH) rights was assessed, and the differences between the understanding of parents and their children were analyzed using Chi-square tests. There were statistically significant differences forall the assessed aspects of SRH knowledge rights between parents and their teenagers (ie, on the age of consent,safe abortion,right to education for teenage mothers, understanding of financial responsibilities, and perceptions of legal consequences). There is a significant knowledge difference between the two generations regarding their understanding of SRH rights. It is recommended that future programming should devise innovative ways that bring together parents and their children to discuss sexual reproductive health rights, which will result in empowered children and teenagers in Rwanda. Also, awareness programs are needed to improve the knowledge gaps regarding SRH in the public by policymakers, NGOs, and educators.

Age of Consent in Islam: Between Legal Principles, Controversies, and Social Adaptations

Age of Consent in Islam: Between Legal Principles, Controversies, and Social Adaptations

Ethical Considerations in Pediatric External Ear Surgery

The distinction between reconstructive and aesthetic surgery becomes less apparent when body image and self-esteem secondary to congenital deformities affect psychosocial well-being. Parents and plastic surgeons debate the appropriate age to correct non-life-threatening congenital defects to avoid a psychologically distressing event to the child. Furthermore, an ethical debate emerges when parents make decisions on behalf of children below the age of consent and lack the necessary cognitive development. This challenging responsibility then rests upon the operating practitioner to prioritize the child's best interests. This paper examines three hypothetical cases to explore the psychosocial and ethical aspects of conducting external ear surgery in the pediatric population and determining the ideal timing.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Facial Feminization Surgery: Five Major Considerations.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) is a form of gender-affirming care for the transgender population that is currently a highly debated topic both inside and outside of the medical community. Currently, a paucity of information is available in plastic surgery literature on ethical issues surrounding FFS. In this paper, we discuss 5 major ethical considerations for plastic surgeons with regard to FFS: (1) how society's changing view of gender has impacted the importance of FFS; (2) whether FFS is medically necessary and should be covered by insurance; (3) to what extent resources should be invested in removing barriers to access FFS; (4) how patient selection criteria should address the irreversibility of the procedure and age of consent; and (5) how femininity and beauty standards contribute to each other and whether they can be disentangled. This paper aims to analyze the arguments made for and against each of these 5 nuanced issues and to expand these debates from the theoretical to the practical by suggesting approaches for reconciliation.

Pathways from childhood sexual abuse to sexual aggression victimization and perpetration in adolescence and young adulthood: a three-wave longitudinal study

ABSTRACT Background: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been identified as a risk factor for later sexual aggression perpetration and vulnerability factor for sexual victimization. However, the use of cross-sectional designs, the focus on female victimization and male perpetration, and the lack of evidence from outside North America limit the existing knowledge base. Objective: The study was designed to examine pathways from CSA to sexual revictimization and sexual aggression perpetration after the age of consent. Method: A total of 588 university students in Germany (308 female) took part in a three-wave longitudinal study covering 23 months. At each wave (T1–T3), all participants completed measures of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration. Experiences of CSA were measured at T1. Results: The rate of CSA was significantly higher for women (20.8%) than for men (12.4%). Rates of sexual victimization for women were 60.9% at Time 1 (since age 14), 22.3% at Time 2 (since T1), and 17.4% at Time 3 (since T2). For men, the rates were 39.2% at Time 1, 15.9% at Time 2, and 14.1% at Time 3. Rates of sexual aggression perpetration for women were 10.6% at Time 1 (since age 14), 3.5% at Time 2 (since T1), and 3.6% at Time 3 (since T2). For men, the rates were 18.0% at Time 1, 6.2% at Time 2, and 3.8% at Time 3. The gender differences in victimization and perpetration were significant only at T1. CSA predicted higher odds of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration cross-sectionally at T1 and indirectly at T2 and T3 via T1. Gender did not moderate the associations. Conclusion: The results confirm previous findings of elevated rates of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration in adolescence and young adulthood in victims of CSA. The implications for understanding and preventing adverse sexuality-related outcomes of CSA are discussed.

The Pattern of Alleged Rape Case in Dhaka City

Background: Rape is a common social problem having great implication on the Victim, family, Judiciary and state. However it is very difficult to prove the actual rape because it is difficult to establish whether it is a consented sex or actual rape. Objective: To assess the pattern of alleged rape case in Dhaka city. Method: 176 cases of alleged rape were studied during the period of 2019-2022 at the Tertiary hospital, Dhaka. Results: Of these, 130 cases had consented sexual intercourse. 46 victims were subjected to rape. Cases include different age groups, their occupations, living areas, time of arrival for medicolegal examination have been studied. Most of the cases were students. An alarming number of victims were subjected to gang rape. Examination and reporting of the cases with have been discussed. Conclusion: This study shows that only one fourth of the alleged rape victims are the real rape cases. The victims of other cases had consent to sexual intercourse. There were several victims below the age of consent who cannot give valid consent to sexual intercourse as per law.

Socio-Economic Structure of Widowhood in India: Past and Present

This paper is a historiographical review of selected significant scholarship on widowhood in India. Most important conclusion is that the difference in widowhood experiences in India is premised upon the fact that the high-caste customs and cultural codes has created a disadvantageous gender equation for women. Nineteenth century legal-reformist debates around sati, widow remarriage and the age of consent were templates on which deep anxieties over the Hindu female body were expressed. Widow remarriage was a way of bringing this body back into the arena of reproduction and motherhood. While the actual practice of sati (widow self - immolation) was declared unlawful, the cultural codes upholding a widow’s imagined renunciatory powers were also being rewritten throughout the anti-colonial movement. A strong notion of a possible ‘living’ sati was created. The attributes of self-discipline and perfect control over one’s sexual desires and impulses became the highest preferable form of Hindu womanhood (irrespective of the caste and class of women). Besides nation building, the patriarchal perceptions of the ‘self-controlled’ body of a Hindu widow also facilitated the ease with which modernity could be fused with ideas of honour and self-abnegation amongst Hindu women. These ideas coexisted with the Indian reformist demand for enhanced property rights for women (widows in particular) and women’s growing role in the anti-colonial movement as well as in the post-1947 Indian society and economy.

Scripts for consensual sex as risk factors for sexual aggression: A three-wave longitudinal study with university students in Germany.

Sexual aggression is a major problem among young adults. Sexual scripts are cognitive schemata representing typical elements of sexual interactions and serve as guidelines for sexual behavior. They may be linked to the risk of sexual aggression if they contain elements known to be associated with the perpetration of sexual aggression, such as alcohol use, sex with casual partners, and ambiguous communication of sexual intentions. The study was designed to examine pathways from risky sexual scripts for consensual sex to risky sexual behavior and sexual aggression perpetration in men and women. The study employed a three-wave longitudinal design with 12-month intervals. Participants were 2425 university students in Germany (58% female). At each wave (Time 1-Time 3), participants completed measures of risky sexual scripts and risky sexual behavior, defined by three aspects: Casual sex, alcohol consumption, and ambiguous communication of sexual intentions. Reports of sexual aggression perpetration were collected since the age of consent (14 years; Time 1) or in the past 12 months (Time 2 and Time 3) using the Sexual Aggression and Victimization Scale. Perpetration rates for men were 9.8% at Time 1, 12.2% at Time 2, and 9.5% at Time 3. For female participants, the corresponding rates were 6.0% at Time 1, 6.3% at Time 2, and 5.1% at Time 3. The gender difference was significant at Time 1 and Time 2, but not at Time 3. As hypothesized, more risky sexual scripts prospectively predicted more risky sexual behavior, which predicted a higher risk of sexual aggression perpetration. The findings held for men and women and for participants with exclusively opposite-sex and with both opposite- and same-sex contacts. Scripts for consensual sex may be risk factors for sexual aggression among men and women if they contain elements identified as risk factors for sexual aggression. The findings suggest that changing risky sexual scripts for consensual sex may be a promising strategy for preventing sexual aggression perpetration.

Age of Consent under POCSO: A Need for Change?

Age of Consent under POCSO: A Need for Change?

Rural parents' attitudes and beliefs on the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine: An explanatory study.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first came to the Unites States in January 2020. Though adult and pediatric vaccines became available to the public, vaccine uptake among youth and particularly younger children has been gradual. This explanatory study aimed to better understand parents' attitudes and beliefs of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine and the barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake in a rural community through a brief, online demographic survey, and in-depth qualitative interviews. Forty-one in depth interviews were conducted with parents (31-English and 10-Spanish-speaking) residing in rural and frontier counties in Colorado between September 2021 and February 2022. Six emergent themes related to COVID-19 pediatric vaccine uptake were identified among the population. These themes spanned the three levels of influence in the Social Ecological Model (individual, interpersonal, and community levels). The six themes were identified as such; 1) Vaccine accessibility was associated with pediatric COVID vaccine uptake in rural communities, 2) Previous pediatric vaccine behaviors were not associated with COVID-19 pediatric vaccine uptake, 3) Perceived health status of a child or family member influenced pediatric COVID-19 vaccine uptake, 4) COVID-19 health seeking behaviors, like COVID pediatric vaccine uptake, are influenced by an individual's prosocial or individualistic perspectives, 5) Child autonomy and "age of consent" frames vaccine decision making behaviors in parents, and lastly 6) Social networks impacted COVID-19 pediatric vaccine decision making. These findings inform next steps for COVID-19 pediatric vaccine uptake including targeted and tailored messaging for communities (cues to actions), engaging youth stakeholders, and identifying trusted sources to build rapport and trust between health professionals and community members. The growing vaccine hesitancy among parents has serious implications for disease eradication and future viral outbreaks. Understanding the perceived barriers and facilitators to pediatric vaccine uptake is important to maintain the health of our youth and communities.

Informed Consent: A Process, Not a Form

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Government & LegalFull AccessInformed Consent: A Process, Not a FormDenise Neal, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M.ADenise NealSearch for more papers by this author, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M.APublished Online:25 Aug 2022https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.09.9.25AbstractInformed consent is a collaborative, educational process and must be documented on an ongoing basis.iStock/fizkesInformed consent must be well understood and respected by those responsible for providing health care services to patients. The purpose of informed consent is to ensure patients have been provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision about their health care. The responsibility for obtaining informed consent rests with the psychiatrist providing the proposed medical care, treatment, or procedure, and this responsibility may not be delegated.Ongoing Collaboration Is KeyThe informed consent process is guided by federal and state statutes and regulations, case law, professional codes of ethics, Medicare Conditions of Participation, national accreditations standards (such as The Joint Commission and DNV), and provisions of medical staff bylaws. Age of consent by minors varies widely by state.Informed consent is an ongoing collaborative communication process between psychiatrists and patients. The signing of the consent form is validation that the process has occurred and an agreement has been reached. The communication process includes the following elements: a description of the indications for treatment; an explanation and purpose of the proposed treatment/procedure; the probable risks, benefits, and alternatives; and a description of the risks if patients do not consent to the proposed treatment/procedure/or alternatives.Risk Considerations for Effective Consent CommunicationDecisional capacity is the ability to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of the decision. The determination of decisional capacity is made by a physician and must be documented at the time consent is obtained as this question will be brought up in any allegation of negligence involving informed consent. If the patient lacks decisional capacity, the patient’s legally authorized agent must consent.Patients determined to have decisional capacity have a fundamental right to decide whether to authorize or reject proposed medical care, treatment, procedures, or surgery. Patients with decisional capacity also have a right to change their mind and withdraw from previously authorized care and treatment.Documentation of the informed consent process is critical to defend a claim of medical malpractice and/or battery. To bring a claim for lack of informed consent, the patient must demonstrate that if adequate information had been provided, the patient would have elected to make a different decision. A battery claim may be brought for any unauthorized treatment or touching of the patient, even if the standard of care was followed and no harm occurred.The consent process is ongoing and may involve multiple discussions. Patients should be allowed to ask questions and receive answers in language they can understand. Each informed consent discussion should be documented. If patients refuse care or treatment, informed refusal must be documented, including that they had the opportunity to ask questions and to “teach back” what was discussed to verify their understanding. Documentation must also be maintained in the event patients decide to withdraw a previously provided consent.If applicable, obtain patients’ authorization when involving the family in care and treatment discussions. It is equally important to document the family’s involvement in decision-making and informed consent discussions.Bottom LinePatients have the right to make informed decisions regarding their health care. Informed consent is an ongoing process that includes a dialogue between the psychiatrist and each patient and allows for questions to be asked and answered. Documentation of the informed consent process is important to demonstrate informed consent was conducted in accordance with federal and state statutes and regulations, professional codes of ethics, and the standard of care. ■Risk management services are provided as an exclusive benefit to insureds of the APA-endorsed American Professional Agency Inc. liability insurance program. This information is provided as a risk management resource for Allied World policyholders and should not be construed as legal or clinical advice. This material may not be reproduced or distributed without the express, written permission of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, a Fairfax company (“Allied World”). Risk management services are provided by or arranged through AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. © 2022 Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Denise Neal, B.S.N., M.J., C.P.H.R.M., is a risk management consultant in the Risk Management Group of AWAC Services Company, a member company of Allied World. Risk management services are provided as an exclusive benefit to insureds of the APA-endorsed American Professional Agency Inc. liability insurance program. ISSUES NewArchived