One in five girls and nearly one in 10 boys have experienced unwanted sexual contact, prompting calls for communities to take action to help stop violence in teen relationships.
Research from the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse has found 20 per cent of female and 9 per cent of male secondary school students have experienced sexual abuse, with most cases involving a boyfriend, girlfriend or friend.
Experts have warned the prevalence of sexual violence is widespread, and say adults need to better model and educate young people about healthy relationships.