Half of teens in couples have experienced violent conduct

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 13 - Over half of Italian teenagers who are in relationships, 52%, say that they have experienced some form of abusive or violent behaviour at least once, according to a survey by Save the Children Italia and the Ipsos market-research body released ahead of Valentine's Day.
    It said this conduct included being called insistently by one's girlfriend or boyfriend to find out where you are (34%); being subjected to violent language, with shouting and insults (29%); being blackmailed into doing something (23%); being insistently asked for intimate photos (20%); being frightened by violent behaviour, such as slapping, punching, pushing, throwing objects, 19%; and sharing intimate photos with others without consent (15%).
    It said that 47% of the teens surveyed reported that they have, at least once, displayed an example of this behaviours with their partner.
    Save the Children has launched a social-media campaign against gender-based violence in adolescence with the hashtag #callalaviolence for Valentine's Day.
    Gender-based violence is a major issue in Italy following a long series of femicides, including the murder of 22-year-old student Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend last year in a case that shocked the nation. (ANSA).