Over 370 million girls experienced rape and sexual assault before they turned 18: Unicef ​​– Firstpost

More than 370 million girls and women – about one in eight – have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, a new estimate from Unicef ​​shows, highlighting shocking levels of abuse against children.

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

The shocking figures emerged 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 one in five worldwide.

This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and support strategies to effectively address 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 inflicted by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

Regional breakdown of casualties

Data shows that sexual violence against children is pervasive across geographic, cultural and economic boundaries. With 79 million girls and women affected (22 percent), sub-Saharan Africa has the most victims. Other affected regions are:

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 fragile environments

In places with weak institutions or high refugee populations, girls are at even greater risk. The prevalence of childhood rape and sexual assault in these contexts is over 1 in 4.

Russell explained: “Children in fragile 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.”

Youth: A Critical Time

Most incidents of childhood sexual violence occur during adolescence, particularly between the ages of 14 and 17. Studies show that children who experience such violence are more likely to suffer repeated abuse. Targeted interventions during this critical period are essential to break the vicious circle and mitigate long-term trauma.

Lasting impact on survivors

Survivors of childhood sexual violence often carry the emotional and physical scars into adulthood. They are at increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Delayed disclosure of abuse can exacerbate these challenges.

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 – experienced rape or sexual assault in childhood, with estimates rising to 410 to 530 million when non-contact 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 underscore the urgent need for increased action to combat childhood sexual violence. Key recommendations include:

Challenge and change the social and cultural norms that allow sexual violence and discourage children from seeking help.

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

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

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

Building better national data systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability through implementation of international standards.