More than 370 million girls have experienced rape and sexual assault before turning 18: Unicef ​​– Firstpost

More than 370 million girls and women – around 1 in 8 – have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, according to a new estimate shared by UNICEF, which highlights a shocking number of abuses against children.

This groundbreaking report, published ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child (observed on October 11), is the first to provide global and regional data on sexual violence against children.

The shocking figures came from surveys conducted in 120 countries and territories between 2010 and 2022.

Expanding the scope of abuse

There are an estimated 650 million forms of non-contact sexual violence, such as online harassment and verbal abuse, or 1 in 5 worldwide.

This underlines the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and support strategies to effectively tackle all forms of violence and abuse.

“Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“It causes deep and lasting trauma, often perpetrated by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

Regional distribution of victims

The data shows that sexual violence against children is pervasive across geographic, cultural and economic boundaries. The sub-Saharan part of Africa has the highest number of victims: 79 million girls and women affected (22 percent). Other affected regions include:

East and Southeast Asia: 75 million (8 percent)

Central and South Asia: 73 million (9 percent)

Europe and North America: 68 million (14 percent)

Latin America and the Caribbean: 45 million (18 percent)

North Africa and West Asia: 29 million (15 percent)

Oceania: 6 million (34 percent)

Increased risks in vulnerable environments

In places with weak institutions or large numbers of refugees, girls are at even greater risk. The prevalence of rape and sexual assault during childhood is more than 1 in 4 in these contexts.

Russell said: “Children in vulnerable environments are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence. We are witnessing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war.”

Adolescence: a critical period

Most cases of childhood sexual violence occur during adolescence, especially between the ages of 14 and 17. Research shows that children who experience such violence are more likely to suffer repeated abuse. Targeted interventions during this critical period are essential to break the cycle and alleviate long-term trauma.

Lasting impact on survivors

Survivors of childhood sexual assault often carry the emotional and physical scars into adulthood. They face an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, social isolation and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Delayed disclosure of abuse can further exacerbate these problems.

While the statistics highlight the significant impact on girls and women, it is important to note that boys and men are also affected. An estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men (about 1 in 11) have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood, and estimates rise to between 410 and 530 million if contactless forms are included.

Call to action

As world leaders, civil society activists, survivors and young people prepare for the first Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, the findings underline the urgent need for intensified action to combat child sexual violence. Key recommendations include:

Challenging and changing the social and cultural norms that allow sexual violence and prevent children from seeking help.

Provide every child with accurate, accessible, and age-appropriate information to recognize and report sexual violence.

Ensure access to services that support justice and healing for every child, victim and survivor.

Strengthening laws and regulations to protect children against all forms of sexual violence, including in organizations that work with children.

Building better national data systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability by implementing international standards.