ADOLESCENT DATING VIOLENCE: APPLICATION OF LAW 348 IN THE BOLIVIAN EDUCATIONAL FIELD

Abstract

Gender violence is one of the most common violations of human rights, especially affecting women according to the UN. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness of teen dating violence in Samaipata, Bolivia. A survey was conducted among 131 female adolescents in the last three levels of secondary school and the process to obtain informed consent included an informative letter to the District Secretary of Education. A total of 59.56% of the adolescents reported having suffered violence in their dating relationships, with a higher prevalence among those who began relationships before the age of 15 (67.80%). Thirty-nine, 66% would go to their mother in case of violence, while 2, 3% would not seek help. In the survey, 47.44% of adolescent girls in Samaipata did not consider various violent actions (threats, shouting and insults, physical aggression, prohibitions, pressure to have sexual contact, among others) as a reason for ending a relationship. There is an urgent need to improve education, review and modify Law 348 to better protect this age group.