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Review Article

Sexual Violence in Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review of Risks and Protective Factors in Southern Africa

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Abstract

Child sexual violence is a global public health concern as pauses significant effects on their mental health and HIV still disproportionately affects adolescents in the Southern African region where, 83% of new infections occur among adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years. This calls for questioning the underlying drivers of susceptibility, particularly among adolescent girls. In accordance with PRISMA principles, we conducted a systematic review looking through academic databases for peer-reviewed publications from 2015 to 2025. This review examined protective factors, risk factors, and interventions related to sexual violence against AG in the Southern African region. 10 studies from an initial 1213 records found were included from six Southern African countries. Poor legal systems, substance abuse, and poverty were among the common risk factors identified from the reviewed literature. Family support, mentorship, and educational efforts were protective factors identified while empowerment-based training to integrated sexual and reproductive health services and multi-sectoral accelerators like DREAMS were interventions employed. Southern African nations confront significant gaps in survivor-centered systems, structural reforms, and longitudinal evidence despite encouraging measures. The examined literature suggests potentially positive interventions. Their cross-sectional design however, constrains our understanding of their effectiveness. Addressing the complex interplay of risk and protective factors underlying sexual violence against adolescent girls in Southern Africa requires a multifaceted approach that strengthens legal protections, promotes education and mentorship, and scales up effective interventions.

Keywords:

Adolescent Girls Risk Factors Sexual Violence Southern Africa Systematic Review Protective Factors

Article information

Journal

Journal of Life Science and Public Health

Volume (Issue)

1(1), (2025)

Pages

40-47

Published

16-09-2025

How to Cite

Mulungu, C., Ditoro, T., & Matshara, C. M. (2025). Sexual Violence in Adolescent Girls: A Systematic Review of Risks and Protective Factors in Southern Africa. Journal of Life Science and Public Health, 1(1), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.69739/jlsph.v1i1.902

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