A new UNICEF report shows that more than 370 million women and girls – or 1 in 8 globally – have experienced sexual violence, including rape and assault, before the age of 18. The figures were released ahead of International Day of the Girl in October. 11, marks the first time comprehensive global and regional data on childhood sexual violence.
The report highlights that when “non-contact” forms of abuse – such as online harassment or verbal assault – are included, the number rises to 650 million, or 1 in 5. The staggering figures underline the critical need for urgent and comprehensive strategies. To prevent and address widespread violations of children’s rights.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience.” “It causes deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”
The widespread nature of childhood sexual violence spans cultural, geographic and economic divides. The report highlights sub-Saharan Africa as the region with the highest number of victims, including 79 million affected women and girls. Other affected regions include Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (75 million), Central and Southern Asia (73 million), Europe and North America (68 million), and Latin America and the Caribbean (45 million).
The situation is even more serious in areas affected by conflict and political instability. Girls in fragile settings such as refugee camps or areas under UN peacekeeping missions face greater risks, with more than 1 in 4 girls affected by sexual violence. “We are seeing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war,” Russell said.
The report points to a disturbing trend: most sexual violence against children occurs during adolescence, with a significant increase between the ages of 14 and 17. Victims are more likely to experience repeated abuse, which emphasizes the need for targeted intervention to break the cycle of trauma.
The long-term effects of sexual violence can be devastating. Survivors often struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and have an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. The trauma is further compounded when victims delay disclosing the abuse, or never report it at all.
While girls and women are the majority of victims, reports also show that boys are equally affected. Between 240 and 310 million boys and men have experienced sexual violence during childhood, a number that rises to 530 million when non-contact forms of abuse are included.
As the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children approaches next month, UNICEF calls for urgent international action. Key recommendations include changing harmful social norms, equipping children with information to report abuse, ensuring victims have access to support services, and strengthening legal frameworks to protect children.
