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14/03/2025
16-Year-Olds Report High Rates Of Gender-Based Violence
A new report published by The Executive Office has revealed concerning statistics regarding gender-based violence experienced by 16-year-olds in Northern Ireland.
The 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland in 2024' report highlights significant disparities between male and female experiences.
Key findings of the report include that in the past year, 19% of 16-year-olds experienced online violence, 18% experienced psychological violence, 11% experienced sexual violence, and 7% experienced physical violence.
Significantly, female respondents reported experiencing higher rates of violence compared to males: 26% of females experienced online violence compared to 9% of males, 23% of females experienced psychological violence compared to 9% of males, and 17% of females experienced sexual violence compared to 3% of males.
Among those who experienced violence, the most common locations were online (42%), at school (35%), and in public outdoor spaces (26%).
The report also highlighted that more female respondents (31%) than males (24%) believed it would be difficult to access help and support if they were victims of gender-based violence. 63% of respondents said they would report gender-based violence to a family member, and 48% would report to a close friend.
The most common barriers to reporting, particularly for females, were "worry that they would not be believed" (75%) and "concern that it might make the situation worse" (73%).
Over half of the respondents (51%) believed that women and girls in Northern Ireland are more likely to become victims of online gender-based violence compared to two years ago. Nearly half of female respondents (49%) reported feeling unsafe using public transport alone.
Despite these concerns, 56% of respondents agreed they are taught about developing and maintaining positive relationships.
The full report is available on the Statistics & Research section of The Executive Office website.
The 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland in 2024' report highlights significant disparities between male and female experiences.
Key findings of the report include that in the past year, 19% of 16-year-olds experienced online violence, 18% experienced psychological violence, 11% experienced sexual violence, and 7% experienced physical violence.
Significantly, female respondents reported experiencing higher rates of violence compared to males: 26% of females experienced online violence compared to 9% of males, 23% of females experienced psychological violence compared to 9% of males, and 17% of females experienced sexual violence compared to 3% of males.
Among those who experienced violence, the most common locations were online (42%), at school (35%), and in public outdoor spaces (26%).
The most common barriers to reporting, particularly for females, were "worry that they would not be believed" (75%) and "concern that it might make the situation worse" (73%).
Over half of the respondents (51%) believed that women and girls in Northern Ireland are more likely to become victims of online gender-based violence compared to two years ago. Nearly half of female respondents (49%) reported feeling unsafe using public transport alone.
Despite these concerns, 56% of respondents agreed they are taught about developing and maintaining positive relationships.
The full report is available on the Statistics & Research section of The Executive Office website.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
