Gender norms and sexual violence among South African adolescents: discrepancies between personal attitudes and perceived peer norms

Social norms, particularly those pertaining to gender equity, can shape attitudes and behaviors that contribute to adolescent sexual violence (SV). This study examines personal attitudes and perceived peer norms regarding gender equity and associations with perpetration of SV among 100 South Africans aged 13-17 in 2019. We assessed: (1) sexual activity and SV behaviors and (2) personal attitudes and perceived peer norms around gender equity. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regressions examined associations between attitudes, norms, and SV, adjusting for demographics. Findings reveal that 59% of sexually active adolescents reported perpetrating SV behaviors, though only 8% classified their actions as "rape". Adolescents endorsed more gender equitable personal attitudes compared to their perceptions of peers, highlighting a misperception of social norms. Differences in gender equitable attitudes by biological sex and perpetration status were minimal, however, males and those reporting perpetration were more likely to endorse specific inequitable gender attitudes. Number of lifetime sexual partners was significantly associated with SV perpetration, particularly among males. An age-sex interaction revealed opposing trends - older age was associated with reduced odds of SV perpetration among males but increased odds among females. Correcting misperceived norms is a promising strategy for SV prevention among South African adolescents.