Date Rape Common Occurrence among Bulgarian Teenagers

Date rape has become a new model of relationship of Bulgarian teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18, according to a recent study. File photo

About quarter millions of Bulgarian women become subject to sexual violence every year, according to a study of the "Alfa Research" agency.

The survey shows that 11% of women are victims of sexual violence and in 80% of the cases the assailant has been someone they knew.

Sociology experts say Bulgarian women still feel ashamed and embarrassed and avoid talking about and reporting the ordeal. They also point out that date rape has become a new model of relationship of Bulgarian teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 where sex is considered mandatory and the girl must take it if she wants to stay with her boyfriend.

The study shows an even more alarming trend – girls, victims of date rape, feel guilty if they refuse sexual favors.

Half of those polled have said rape is a dangerous issue.

Anywhere between 1% and 4% of all calls to help centers have been related to sex. The experts further say better educated women realize the problem more easily, but even among them sexual violence in the family is considered something private and personal.

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