Using -- and misusing -- data on age differences between minors and their sexual partners
Saul, R.
Guttmacher Report on Public Policy 2(4): 10
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1096-7699 PMID: 12346541 Document Number: 284227
This article presents the problem of age differences between minors and their sexual partners. Understanding age differences is critical in finding solutions and formulating public policy. The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI) studies showed that sexually active women in general have older sexual partners. However, minor aged women are more likely to have sexual partners very close to their age. State laws impose criminal liability on sexual activities in cases where the specified age difference between the minor and his or her sexual partner is of 3 or 4 years. The age of consent ranges from ages 14 to 18 years. Moreover, complex social issues such as teens being involved with adult men require complex responses that stand a reasonable chance of doing more good than harm.