Understanding gender-based violence in adolescents in the latin american and european contexts

Abstract

The article reviews 40 recent studies on gender-based violence among adolescents in latin american and european contexts, selecting 17 with high standards of rigor. These studies address various forms of violence-physical, psychological, sexual, and digital-using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. In Latin America, factors such as poverty, racism, and lack of education exacerbate adolescents' vulnerability, exposing them to severe forms of violence, including sexual exploitation. In Europe, patterns of control in relationships, ambivalent sexism, and the impact of migration contexts are highlighted. Digital violence is identified as a growing form of abuse in both contexts. The findings emphasize the importance of developing preventive programs tailored to the sociocultural realities of each region, promoting equitable relationships, challenging the myths of idealized romantic love, and addressing the social and cultural roots that perpetuate gender-based violence among adolescents.