Violence in Young People's Affective-Sexual Relationships: Analysis of the Aggressor and the Physical and/or Psychological Reciprocity

Objective: Estimate the prevalence of psychological and/or physical violence in the affective-sexual relationships of young people and analyze the factors associated with the co-occurrence of these forms of aggression. Method: Cross-sectional study with probabilistic sampling, stratified by clusters in multiple stages: schools were selected based on size and location; and students were selected by age group (14-24), who reported having an intimate relationship in the last 12 months, of both sexes. Data collection took place during school shifts, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire with students who agreed to participate by signing the consent forms. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (CEP/UEFS). Results and Discussion: The majority of participants was female, aged 17 to 19, attending high school, with brown/black skin color, did not engage in sports or cultural activities, and lived with parents or an intimate partner. The prevalence of young people who reported perpetrating psychological and/or physical violence in their relationships was 60.6%, with 21.7% reporting simultaneous aggressions (co-occurrences). Variables that showed statistical significance for violent co-occurrences were: consumption of psychoactive substances, violence in a previous relationship, cohabitation with a partner, and association with friends in violent affective-sexual relationships. Research Implications: The findings may contribute to supporting investments aimed at the prevention and control of violence between intimate partners during adolescence and youth. Originality/Value: Originality/Value: This research stands out for two innovative aspects: addressing violence in young people's affective-sexual relationships from the perspective of the perpetrator – not only victimization; and analyzing the co-occurrence of psychological and physical violence, thereby expanding knowledge about the complexity and simultaneity of aggressive behaviors.