Perceptions of sexual violence among adolescents and youth in Senegal and Ghana: Insights into normalization, victim-blaming and prospective behavior
Outcomes: Gender‑Based Violence
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms—especially those related to gender roles, victim-blaming, and the normalization of sexual violence—strongly shape how adolescents and youth understand and respond to sexual violence in Senegal and Ghana. Norms that frame violence as a private matter, legitimize male dominance, and place responsibility on victims contribute to silence and underreporting. The study highlights that even when individuals reject violence in principle, community-level norms continue to normalize it in practice. Addressing sexual violence therefore requires shifting collective expectations and broader structural inequalities, not just individual attitudes.
Objectives This study explores adolescents’ (10–19 years) and youth’s (20–24 years) perceptions, attitudes, and expected behaviors regarding sexual violence in Senegal and Ghana, with a focus on how social and gender norms influence these perspectives.
Methods A convergent mixed-methods design was used, combining survey data (n = 1,425) with qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and Photovoice. Social norms were measured using validated tools such as the Gender Equitable Men (GEM) Scale and the Social Norms and Beliefs about Gender-Based Violence Scale, capturing attitudes toward victim-blaming, gender roles, and acceptance of violence. Quantitative and qualitative findings were analyzed in parallel and triangulated.
Results While most respondents rejected explicit support for sexual violence in surveys, qualitative findings revealed widespread normalization in everyday life. Victim-blaming was common, with many attributing violence to women’s behavior or appearance. Intimate partner violence was more accepted than other forms, particularly among older youth and males. Sexual violence was often treated as a private issue, especially in Senegal, limiting open discussion and reporting. Although many respondents expressed willingness to act if they witnessed violence, distrust in institutions and reliance on family-based resolution reduced actual reporting.
Conclusions Sexual violence among adolescents and youth is sustained by entrenched social norms, including normalization, victim-blaming, and silence. Effective responses require multi-level, context-specific interventions that challenge harmful norms, engage young people early, and strengthen institutional trust and accountability. Without addressing these broader social and structural dynamics, progress in preventing sexual violence will remain limited.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and are based on the interpretation of source documents. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and clarity, there may be errors or omissions. Users are encouraged to consult the original documents for complete and authoritative information.