Sexualistation of Young People

Sexualisation of Young People Review
3. Background and context
“An integrated approach is necessary to
ensuring not only that violence against
women becomes universally regarded as an
unacceptable and criminal violation of women’s
human rights, but also that victims of sexual,
physical and psychological violence receive the
attention and support that they need to be able
to escape and resolve their situation.” 59
Violence against women and girls is
unacceptable, whatever the circumstances
and whatever the context. The UK
government is committed to taking action
to further reduce the number of violent
incidents and to counter the tendency
for violence to become ‘normalised’.
This literature review forms part of a
wider investigation into the underlying
causes and impacts of violence against
women and girls. It sets out to identify
how sexualised images and messages may
be affecting the development of children
and young people and influencing cultural
norms with regard to sexual behaviour
and attitudes. 59
Over the past decade, a number of
government departments have been
working with voluntary organisations to
deliver a package of measures designed
59 www.un-instraw.org/en/images/stories/Beijing/
violenceagainstwomen.pdf
to protect women and provide support
to victims of violence. There are currently
31 legal frameworks in place, covering
issues including rape and sexual violence;
domestic violence; female genital
mutilation; forced marriage; ‘honour’
crimes; trafficking; sexual harassment; and
marital rape.
With regard to children, local authorities
and schools are required to work with
each other and with other children’s
services to support the Every Child
Matters agenda, which sets out five key
outcomes for children and young people:
• be healthy;
• stay safe;
• enjoy and achieve;
• make a positive contribution; and
• achieve economic well-being. 60
60 www.everychildmatters.gov.uk
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