Why Are Teenagers Having Relationships with Adults in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica News – An alarming result from the National Youth Survey showed that 63% of girls aged 15 to 17 have relationships with adults. Of that 63%, 52% were referring to those not much older than themselves, between 18-24 years old, but the rest were much older.

In fact, 6% were in relationships with men 30 years old or older. Additionally, almost 90% of teenage pregnancies are the result of relationships with adults, illegal relationships.

Many factors play into this situation. For instance, there’s immaturity in which the girls really feel in love and are not able to identify the abuse in a relationship. Then there’s poverty, in which girls and even their families see it as an opportunity to become better off financially. Some can’t afford to care for their adolescent children so they pair them off, with some even being given money or food in exchange. Lastly, there is a cultural acceptance of this type of relationship, especially in disadvantaged areas.

PANI receives 10,000 calls a month to the toll-free number 800-2262626 that serves adolescents as well as adolescent mothers. 2,200 complaints have been filed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in the last year. Still, many girls feel they are doing what’s best for them and refuse to denounce the crimes or participate in the investigations.

If you know someone in this situation, please contact PANI, which has homes set up to receive the girls so they can study and dream and create a life that they chose with help from adults who will defend their rights.