KWDI Korean Women’s Development Institute

This study purports to provide a way to prevent damages from unwanted sexual relationships and support the victims on the basis of a survey on sexuality and sexual violence among young people aged 19 to 30. 

Due to the changes in a propensity of attitudes and behaviors on sexuality among young people, sexual contacts have become natural in their relationships. However, sexual violence is frequent among them and the offenders are often in close relationships with the victims.

This study conducted a survey on attitudes and behaviors on sexuality, and consent of men and women prior to sexual contacts among those aged 19 to 30. In addition, this study conducted a survey on the experience of sexual violence as victims or offenders in close relationships.

This study finds that there is a rapid change in sexual attitudes and behaviors among the young people. In particular, only small proportion of them perceive the sexual relationship prior to marriage as negative. In fact, two thirds of men and one half of women had a sexual relationship before marriage. However, 57.4% of women between the age of 25 and 30 were begged of to have a sexual relationship by men and 54.0% of women had a relationship after continuous appeal. In addition, 16% experienced use of force when men tried to have a sexual relationship and 15.4% finally had a relationship due to the use of force.

The current law forbidding rape protects a right to self- determination in sexual relationship. However, in practice, there is almost no protection for victims of sexual violence in intimate relationships. Therefore, this study will be practical basis to revise the current rape law.

This study provides a practical mechanism in various aspects: 1) to help understanding of sexuality among young people aged 19 to 30,  2) to revise law regulating rape, 3) to protect rape victims in the process of a trial, 4) to produce effective educational programs to prevent sexual violence in intimate relationships and 5) to support the victims.