Youth (ages 13 to 24) often use informal terms to describe their romantic or sexual relationships. Just like the relationships they represent, these terms can be fluid or lack discrete definitions. These labels do not necessarily imply that a relationship is exclusive or sexually intimate, and sometimes, adolescents prefer to avoid labels altogether and use “friend” instead. Regardless, abuse can happen in any relationship, no matter the label.
This publication provides examples of types, settings, and communities vulnerable to sexual violence among AANHPI youth..
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API-GBV
Revised Summer 2026