You are in a relationship with a much younger girl and you know it's not right... Most men want a healthy relationship. A healthy relationship is one that is based on equality. An adult (over 18) who is in a relationship with a minor cannot, by definition, be equal partners in a relationship. Statutory Rape is not only an issue of consent, but also one of coercion and exploitation. Anytime an adult has a sexual relationship with someone who is underage, it is a form of exploitation, even if no overtly coercive behavior appears to be involved. The adult is using the sexual and emotional inexperience of the teen to get something from them. You may just have the feeling that your relationship with a younger person is not right, or a friend may have told you that your relationship is uncool. Well, your relationship may be against the law. You can spend time in jail and be considered a sex offender, needing to register with state sex offender registries. What can you do? Do the right thing. End the relationship. Respect yourself and your need for a healthy, equal relationship.

HOME l CONTACT US l VIRGINIA LAWS l RESOURCE LIBRARY l WHAT ABOUT BOYS? What can you do to help? YOUR BUDDY IS INVOLVED WITH A GIRL AND YOU KNOW IT'S NOT RIGHT YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH A MUCH YOUNGER GIRL AND YOU KNOW IT'S NOT RIGHT YOU KNOW A YOUNGER PERSON WHO MAY BE IN A COERCIVE RELATIONSHIP YOUR ORGANIZATION DEALS WITH THE ISSUES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND STATUTORY RAPE © Copyright 2003 Virginia Department of Health. All rights reserved. Virginia Department of Health: Center for Injury and Violence Prevention 109 Governor Street, 8th Floor l Richmond VA 23219 Phone: (804) 864-7732 l Fax: (804) 864-7748 1-800-732-8333