Rising Intimate Partner Violence Among Montreal High School Students Sparks Concern
A newly published report from Montreal's public health department has revealed a troubling increase in intimate partner violence among the city's high school students. The findings, based on comprehensive survey data, indicate that more adolescents are experiencing physical, psychological, or sexual violence in their romantic relationships.
Alarming Statistics from Recent Survey
According to the report released by Santé Montréal in February 2026, 38% of young Montrealers reported experiencing at least one act of violence from an intimate partner within the previous 12 months. This represents a significant increase from the 31% reported in the initial 2010-2011 survey. The data comes from the Quebec Survey on the Health of Secondary School Students, which involved more than 70,000 students province-wide.
"First romantic and sexual experiences can have a lasting influence on relationship trajectories," emphasized Salomé Lemieux, a planning, programming and research officer with Santé Montréal who authored the 28-page report. "This period represents a key window for prevention."
Gender Disparities and Vulnerable Groups
The survey revealed significant gender differences in reported violence:
- Girls report intimate partner violence more frequently than boys
- 21% of students reported having at least one consensual sexual relationship
- 8% of Montreal respondents reported having forced sexual relations at least once
- 43% of students with romantic relationships reported experiencing or inflicting violence
"Girls are generally more exposed to controlling behaviours and sexual pressures than boys are," Lemieux noted in the report, adding that male victims might underreport due to shame or rigid beliefs about masculinity.
Factors Contributing to the Increase
The report identified several factors that may have contributed to the rising rates of intimate partner violence among adolescents:
- The social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to safe spaces like schools
- Technology may have amplified controlling behaviors such as digital surveillance
- Campaigns about consent and the #MeToo movement have made it easier for people to report sexual violence
- Certain vulnerable groups face higher risks, including those with substance use problems or fragile mental health
Lasting Consequences and Prevention Strategies
The report emphasizes that violence in adolescent intimate relationships can have profound and lasting effects:
- Increased risk of psychological distress and risk-taking behaviors
- Potential for reproducing violence in future relationships
- Significant social and economic repercussions through increased healthcare and judicial system costs
"Violence in intimate relationships during adolescence is a major public health concern," Lemieux stated. "Young people in these situations are at increased risk of psychological distress and of reproducing the violence in their future relationships."
Protective Factors and Support Systems
The report also identified factors that can protect against intimate partner violence:
- Solid self-esteem and good mental health
- Strong social and personal skills
- Supportive parental relationships with adequate supervision
- Support from family, peers, school, and community
Santé Montréal recommends equipping adults—including parents, school staff, community workers, and health professionals—to promote healthy relationships and prevent violence. The department also emphasizes the importance of involving young people in developing and evaluating support services that address their specific realities.
The survey involved more than 5,800 students in Secondary 1 through 5 across 92 Montreal high schools, including both English and French institutions, public and private. Only students aged 14 and older participated in the section addressing intimate relationships, with more than 90% choosing to respond to most questions.
