A new report by UNICEF reveals alarming statistics about the scale of sexual violence against girls worldwide. According to the report, one in eight girls experiences rape or sexual violence before the age of 18, amounting to approximately 370 million girls globally.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stating that sexual violence against children is a profound moral failure. This type of abuse, often inflicted by someone known and trusted by the child, can leave long-lasting trauma.

Non-Contact Forms of Abuse Increase Numbers
The report also draws attention to "non-contact" sexual assaults, which include online abuse and verbal harassment. When these forms of abuse are factored in, the number of affected girls increases dramatically to 650 million—equivalent to one in five girls worldwide.

The issue of sexual violence crosses geographic, economic, and cultural boundaries, with some regions more severely impacted than others. Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls affected. This is followed by 75 million in East and Southeast Asia, and 68 million in Europe and North America.

Regions With Fragile Security Most Affected
The study points out that sexual violence is especially prevalent in areas with unstable security situations. Data suggests that most cases of sexual abuse occur during adolescence, with a significant increase between the ages of 14 and 17. Children who experience such trauma are more likely to suffer repeated abuse, making early intervention crucial to breaking this cycle.

The lasting effects of sexual violence often follow survivors into adulthood, with increased risks of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, social isolation, substance abuse, and difficulties in building healthy relationships. Delayed disclosure or silence about the abuse can further compound the psychological impact.

Boys and Men Also Affected
Although girls are more commonly affected and better documented, boys and men are not immune to sexual violence. An estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men, or around one in 11, have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood. When including non-contact forms of abuse, this number rises to between 410 and 530 million.

The report stresses the need for better data collection, particularly on the experiences of boys and non-contact forms of sexual violence, to fully understand the scope of the problem.

UNICEF's findings are based on data collected from 120 countries between 2010 and 2022.

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