Adolescents

Adolescents face special challenges in a culture that labels them as naive. They have much of their autonomy taken from them in the system. They are also the age group experiencing the highest rate of sexual victimization. Lawmakers and adults seem to have a belief that they can protect adolescents by keeping vital information from them about their sexuality and reproductive health versus arming them with accurate and accessible information and services related to their sexuality. The ultimate outcome is a devalued youth whose health and lives are endangered by policies that strip them of respect, dignity and a capacity for independent decision making. The Facts on Teenagers and Intimate Partner Violence