The prevalence of victimization and polyvictimization in sexual minority adolescents in Spain

Abstract

Background: Sexual minority youth are particularly vulnerable to victimization and polyvictimization. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of victimization and polyvictimization over the past year among secondary school students in Spain who identify as sexual minorities, and analyze differences based on gender and ethnicity. Participants and setting: In a sample of 4024 adolescents (M = 15.52, SD = 0.99), 13.9 % (n = 559) of participants self-identified as belonging to a sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other (LGB)). The gender distribution indicated that 23.3 % of participants self-identified as boys, 66.7 % as girls, 4.8 % as having non-conforming gender identities, and 5.2 % preferred not to respond. Most participants identified as European ethnicity (81.4 %), while 18.6 % identified as minority ethnic groups. Methods: An adapted version of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ) was used incorporating additional questions on sexual exploitation and online victimization. Results: 74.1 % of LGB youth reported experiencing at least one form of victimization. Caregiver victimization was reported by 43.5 % and electronic victimization by 42.9 % of participants. Gender differences were observed, with individuals identifying as non-conforming reporting notably high prevalence rates. Ethnic differences were also found, with minorities reporting higher prevalence rates in several victimization experiences. The mean number of victimizations was 4.6 (SD = 3.7). Overall, 32.4 % of youth were classified as polyvictims. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of victimization and polyvictimization among LGB youth, and its intersection with gender and ethnic minorities, the findings underscore the importance of developing prevention programs tailored to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of this population.