Respect for sexual rights is the basis for eliminating violence against women, including genital mutilation, sexual harassment, abuse and rape, domestic battering, prostitution and trafficking in woman. Sexual domination and violence associated to sex are current images in today's media. They alternate with unrealistic romanticism and soft pornography, and the mixture is very dangerous particularly for young people. Sexual violence is frequently considered as a natural and attractive fashion, and it is difficult for young people to recognize the destructiveness and risks associated to these behaviours. Serious injuries and danger for their lives as well as murder of young women and adolescents by their boyfriends is a frequent risk in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to many studies.
Women are more frequently victims of sexual violence, particularly girls and adolescents.
The prevailing images and messages of sex associated to violence do not promote equality and autonomy in sexual relations nor mutual respect and protection. So today, to combat gender-based violence it's necessary to change prevailing images and messages. It will help them to postpone unwanted sex and protect them when they begin to have sex. Sexual education must recognize violence as a risk behavior and promote equality, respect and autonomy in sexual relationships, but also self-esteem. In Latin America and the Caribbean few countries included sexual violence in sex education.