The research, which included participants from the Canary Islands, highlights a concerning trend: almost half of those surveyed believe that violence or harm are inherent components of a relationship. Approximately 20% admitted to consenting to these situations due to the fear of being alone.
I love him so much that I let it slide
These phrases, collected in the study, reflect the widespread confusion between intimacy, affection, and sexuality. The survey, conducted among 334 children and young people from various autonomous communities, including the Canary Islands, found that more than half of the participants had experienced damaging relationships.
The percentage of young people who have experienced harmful relationships increases with age, reaching over 75% in the 15 to 20-year-old group, and half among those aged 12 to 14. The main reasons cited are the normalization of harm (29.4%), fear of loneliness (19.3%), and fear of rejection (14.3%).
“"If they don't differentiate well between affection, intimacy, or sexuality, they won't know where the limits are or what to expect from each relationship. And when something crosses the line, it's much easier for them to normalize harmful situations."
Experts from Educo emphasize the need for comprehensive affective-sexual education at all school levels. This training is crucial to teach young people to distinguish between affection, intimacy, and sexuality, and to establish clear boundaries in their relationships, promoting consent and mutual respect.
