Bidang Kajian : Kanak-kanak
Pelajar/Pengkaji Oleh: Mohd Taufik Bin Mohammad
Alamat Emel: mtaufikmohd@gmail.com
Tarikh: 13/02/2025
Abstrak Kajian
Enforcing statutory rape laws on adolescents exhibiting normative sexual behaviour with their peers who happen to be underage has been a standard practice in many countries, including Malaysia. The enforcement of the laws on adolescent perpetrators implies that the assumption of deviance in adult perpetrators of statutory rape is also shared on those of adolescents. This exploratory study drew comparative data from 112 adolescents and adults in juvenile detention centres and prisons around Malaysia pertaining the characteristics of their sexual behaviour with underage partners. Results indicated that adolescent perpetrators were shown to have a lower perceived relative power in the sexual relationships compared to their adult counterparts, but a higher level of perceived romantic love and aggression. In addition, the results did not support the model differentiating adolescents who had sex with underage partners and adolescents who did not have sex. The implication of the study is discussed.