Press Release

22 May 2006

Nearly half (45%) of teenage girls in an NSPCC/Sugar magazine survey have had their bottom or breasts groped against their wishes. Fifty-six per cent* of unwanted early sexual experiences occurred for the first time when girls were aged under 14. The survey results were published in Sugar magazine on 23 May 06.

According to the survey, conducted for the NSPCC's Don't hide it initiative against child sex abuse in association with Sugar's Be S.A.F.E.** Before Sex campaign, 51%*** of unwanted sexual experiences happened more than once and left the girls feeling dirty (47%), ashamed/guilty (39%), worried/insecure (36%), angry (34%) powerless (30%) and frightened (27%).

The 674 Sugar website visitors who took part in the online survey revealed an abusive undercurrent to much of their early sexual experimentation.

Chris Cloke, NSPCC head of child protection awareness said: "Sugar readers are revealing early sexual experiences that disregard the need for consent, with young girls threatened or bribed into submitting before they are emotionally or physically ready."

Sugar editor Annabel Brog said: "Girls need to know right from the start that no one has a right to force them to do anything sexual. We need to give them the confidence to demand their wishes are respected - and support them when they do have bad experiences."

Nearly half of girls made to feel guilty for saying 'no'

Of those girls who had been pushed into doing something they didn't want:

• nearly half (44%) had been made to feel guilty for initially saying 'no'
• over a quarter (29%) cited simply being told by the person pushing them that it was the right thing to do
• 1 in eight were given drink or drugs
• 1 in nine were concerned that rumours would be spread about them
• 1 in ten were threatened physically
• 1 in ten were actually hurt physically
• 1 in ten were bribed with presents or money

In all, 43% of girls questioned said the person responsible for the unwanted experience was a boy they knew or were friends with; one in three cited a boyfriend around their age. Fourteen per cent held a family member or family friend responsible, 13% 'a group of lads', 10% a boyfriend more than five years older than them, and 4% a teacher.

A large majority (91%) of the NSPCC/Sugar survey respondents judged it 'never acceptable' for someone to push a girl into a sexual experience against her wishes. Over half (55%+) still believed that their own unwanted early sexual experiences had been at least partly their fault. Seven per cent++ believed that excuses for pushing girls could exist, such as 'if she's his girlfriend', 'if she's been flirting with him' or 'if she's already had sex with him'. A quarter (26%) revealed that they had been 'snogged' against their wishes.

Chris Cloke continued: "There is a culture of confusion about what is acceptable among girls and indeed boys living in today's highly sexualised landscape. They are unsure about how far is too far and what is right or wrong in sexual activity."

"It's disturbing that even some pre-teen girls are subject to this pressure. This is wrong, no matter who's doing it."

More than one in three girls keep silent

A total of 38%+++ did not speak to anyone about their experience because they wanted to forget about it (30%), because they were either scared or ashamed (10%), or because they simply didn't know who to tell (11%). Of the 60% who did tell, over half preferred to confide in a friend, 4% told a brother/sister, 6% told a parent/carer, and 3% told a teacher.

Girls' perception of what is sexual abuse varied depending on the age of the perpetrator. Nine out of ten (88%) girls labelled being pushed into a sexual experience against their wishes by an adult over 18 as 'sexual abuse'. Fifty-three per cent described the same experience at the hands of someone their own age as 'pressure sex'.

The NSPCC and Sugar have joined forces to encourage young people to speak out about any concerns they have about sex. Readers can get help and support from the July issue of the magazine and by visiting a new NSPCC website www.donthideit.com which provides a confidential and anonymous space to learn what sex abuse is and how to stop it. They can also call the NSPCC's freephone 24/7 ChildLine service on 0800 1111.

The NSPCC is also calling for Personal Social and Health Education to be made a foundation subject at school, paying particular attention to relationships education, including how to deal with pressure to have sex and the need for young people to make informed choices.

*56% comprised of 30% stating the incident happened for the first time when they were 12 or under plus 26% stating they were aged 13.
**Sure of the facts, Aged 16 or over - or its illegal, Free from pressure, Emotionally sorted
***51% comprised of 45% who reported unwanted sexual experiences occurring 'a few times' plus 6% occurring 'loads of times'
+55% comprised of 47% who said it was 'partly my fault' plus 8% who said it was 'all my fault'
++7% remains when subtracting from 100 the 91% who said 'yes' and 2% who gave no answer
+++The figure 38% represents all respondents who selected at least one of the 'no I did not talk to anyone' options. 60% selected at least one of the 'yes I told' options while 2% declined to give an answer.

Ends
For more information please contact Vicky Hardman on 0207 825 2514 or 07976 206625, or email vhardman@nspcc.org.uk

Notes to editors

1) The NSPCC Don't hide it initiative on sex abuse launched on 15 May and runs for six weeks until the end of June. Don't hide it is the NSPCC's latest drive as part of its FULL STOP Campaign urging children to speak out on all forms of sex abuse. The NSPCC has set up a new website, www.donthideit.com to help young people build confidence and find out more about this abuse and understand that abuse is never their fault. The site will act as a safe online 'community' where they can talk about sex abuse and learn how it can be stopped.

One in six children will suffer some kind of sexual abuse before they reach sixteen, either inside or outside the family. Almost three-quarters will keep their abuse secret at the time. The Don't hide it campaign will encourage and help them talk to friends, parents and others who can help stop it - FULL STOP.

Young people who need more support will be directed to the NSPCC's ChildLine service on 0800 11 11 and to other trusted helplines.

2) About S.A.F.E. campaign:
The survey ties in with Sugar's campaign against teen pressure sex called S.A.F.E. campaign stands for: Sure of the facts; Age 16 or over; Free from pressure; Emotionally sorted.