Study: Teen girls see sexual violence as normal, unavoidable

A recent study at Marquette University proves once again how prevalent slut-shaming is among middle and high schoolers. Researchers questioned young women between the ages of three and 17 about their experiences with sexual harassment and violence, and the results were truly disheartening.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Many of the young women surveyed said they chose not to report harassment because they didn't want to make a "big deal" or were afraid they would be labeled "whores" or "sluts" by their peers.

Horrifyingly, many girls also said they believed that men cannot keep themselves from harassing or grabbing women, describing men as "unable to control their sexual desires." According to the report, "they perceived everyday harassment and abuse as normal male behavior, and as something to endure, ignore, or maneuver around."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up