A Phenomenological Investigation of the Environmental and Social Factors Underlying Sexual Abuse in Female Teenagers

The present study analyzes the underlying factors in the phenomenon of sexual abuse by examining the experiences of victim teenagers. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing a phenomenological strategy. The research population included teenage females who were sexually assaulted in Tehran during the 2022-2023 academic year. 14 girls were identified as victims of harassment and sexual abuse who were referred to the forensic medicine department in Tehran. These victims were selected using the purposeful sampling technique for critical cases. A semi-structured interview was employed as a data collection instrument in accordance with theoretical saturation. It is implemented in a textual method to identify concepts and phenomenological categories for analysis. Inductive content analysis was implemented as the methodology for data analysis. The results indicated that the primary factors contributing to the phenomenon of sexual abuse, as perceived by teenagers who are victims of this phenomenon, are (1) environmental factors (unfaithful friends, drug use, experience of friendship with the opposite sex, poor education, and unhealthy environment) and (2) social factors (gender discrimination, promise of marriage, and sexual violence). These actions and policies recommend the development of a healthy social and school environment to prevent drug use, the promotion of awareness among teenagers about sexual issues, the ability to avoid deception and not lie, the selection of suitable friends, the neutralization of false information from peers and friends, and the implementation of measures to reduce gender discrimination and sexual violence in society, family, and school.