RT Article T1 Early sexual initiation in Europe and its relationship with legislative change: A systematic review JF International journal of law, crime and justice VO 57 SP 70 OP 82 A1 Zhu, Guangxing 1988- A1 Bosma, Alice Kirsten A2 Bosma, Alice Kirsten LA English YR 2019 UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1685899005 AB Early sexual initiation is often considered risky behaviour as it is related with adverse consequences such as sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy. Multiple academic studies have demonstrated that in the second half of the 20th century, the age of young people's first sexual initiation was on the decline in developed countries. However, little research has been conducted on the situation in the 21st century. By systematically reviewing recent studies on the timing of persons' first sexual initiation in European countries, this article revealed the latest trends in the age of first sexual initiation in Europe: 1) the continuing decline of age of first sexual initiation, and 2) the difference in timing of first sexual initiation between males and females. These two findings were then compared with the latest trends in age of consent legislation in Europe to see the relationship between the trends of age of sexual initiation in law and in practice. K1 Adolescents K1 Age of consent K1 Europe K1 First sexual initiation K1 Legislation K1 Timing DO 10.1016/j.ijlcj.2019.03.001