Connection between Bullying and Sexual Violence Perpetration
While youth bullying experiences and sexual violence
perpetration are both major public health problems, little
research exists on the positive associations between the two. A
recent study, Bullying Perpetration and Subsequent Sexual
Violence Perpetration among Middle School Students, published by
the University of Illinois and CDC, attempted to examine the
link between bullying and sexual violence acts among middle
school aged adolescents in grades 5th through 8th. Published in
the Journal of Adolescent Health, the study found a substantial
prevalence of bullying, homophobic teasing and sexual harassment
among middle school students ages 10–15. Findings show 12% of
males and 12% of females reported bullying other students. In
addition, 20% of females and 34% of males reported homophobic
teasing of other students. Other study findings include: - 5% of
boys and 7% of girls spread a sexual rumor. - 4% of boys and 2%
of girls pulled at someone’s clothi