AEGiS-ST: Youth won't take no for an answer

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Youth won't take no for an answer

Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - Sunday 14 July, 2002
Thokozani Mtshali

Half of the boys and more than 40% of girls who participated in a South African youth survey said they would not accept no as an answer if their partners refused to have sex.

According to the survey by love- Life, a programme promoting healthy living and positive sexuality among youngsters, there is still an alarming amount of sexual coercion.

Three out of 10 girls said : "There are times I don't want to have sex but do because my boyfriend insists ."

LoveLife surveyed 2 204 young people, aged 12 to 17. It found that:

50% of boys would not accept a girlfriend's refusal to have sex;

41% of girls wouldn't accept a boyfriend's no to sex;

38% of sexually active youths thought sex without a condom was more enjoyable than with one;

35% of boys and 18% girls said they had had multiple sexual partners;

42% of them knew someone who had had sex for money or other favours;

14% of boys had given a girlfriend money or brought her drinks or food in return for sex; and

One in 10 girls said she had had sex for money.

020714
ST020705

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .