Sex without consent

The pressing need to analyse what is known about non-consensual sex among young people in developing countries is self-evident. Available evidence has been scattered and unrepresentative and has often given the misguided impression that non-consensual sex among young people is rare. This important volume presents a disturbing picture of non-consensual sex among girls as well as boys, and among married as well as unmarried young women in a variety of settings. This volume documents, moreover, the expanse of non-consensual experiences that young people face - from unwanted touch to forced penetrative sex and gang rape. Although focusing on young females, it also sheds light on the experience of young males as both victims and perpetrators. Taking a longer view, this volume highlights key factors placing young people at risk, whilst outlining the significant distinctive health and social implications they face. The editors argue compellingly for a radical review and reform of existing programmes designed to prevent this kind of abuse and to support the survivors of sexual trauma in the developing world.