Final answer:
While women and girls may be more vulnerable to certain types of abuse such as intimate partner violence and sexual harassment, it is important to consider that abuse affects both genders. Therefore, the statement needs clarification and should not be generalized for all forms of abuse without specific context. Both boys and girls can be victims of abuse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that girls are more likely to be abused than boys relates to a broader context of abuse and violence that affects different genders in varied ways. Research has shown that women and girls are often more vulnerable to certain types of abuse, such as intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual harassment. However, abuse occurs across all demographics and both boys and girls can be victims of abuse.
It is important to note that the prevalence of abuse may differ based on the form it takes. According to studies, approximately one-third of all women have experienced domestic violence, and one in five women is assaulted during her college years. Moreover, specific violent acts, such as those perpetrated by Boko Haram, disproportionately targeted women and girls.
In educational settings, there is evidence suggesting unequal treatment of male and female students, which can contribute to gender-based disparities. In essence, while the likelihood of certain types of abuse may be higher among females, it is not accurate to generalize this to all forms of abuse without considering the specific context and data available.