The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reveals that more than 370 million girls and women globally—roughly 1 in 8—experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

These findings, the first-ever global and regional estimates on childhood sexual violence, highlight a pervasive issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries.

The report, issued on 9 October 2024, was published ahead of the International Day of the Girl, drawing attention to the urgent need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support to address the widespread violation.

The report also states that when ‘non-contact’ forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, are included, the number of affected girls and women rises to a staggering 650 million worldwide, or 1 in 5.

These figures underscore the critical need for more effective prevention and support strategies to combat all forms of violence and abuse against children.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the prevalence of such violence, saying, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

Sexual violence against children inflicts deep and lasting trauma.

Often the perpetrator is someone the child knows and trusts.

Adolescents and children in fragile settings are especially vulnerable.

Here’s more on addressing this global scourge👇 https://t.co/QnwtulPD0b

— Catherine Russell (@unicefchief) October 10, 2024

The report emphasises that childhood sexual violence often occurs in environments where victims expect protection, such as homes, schools, and communities.

Geographically, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected, accounting for 22% of the population.

This was followed by Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 75 million cases (8%), Central and Southern Asia with 73 million (9%), Europe and Northern America with 68 million (14%), Latin America and the Caribbean with 45 million (18%), Northern Africa and Western Asia with 29 million (15%), and Oceania with 6 million, representing 34% of the population in the region.

In conflict zones and fragile settings, where governance and institutional support are weak, girls face even greater risks.

The report revealed that in these areas, the prevalence of childhood rape and sexual assault affects more than 1 in 4 girls.

Catherine Russell further stated, “We are witnessing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war.”

The data also reveal that most sexual violence against children occurs during adolescence, with a marked increase between the ages of 14 and 17.

This critical age group experiences heightened vulnerability, and studies indicate that victims of sexual violence are more likely to endure repeated abuse.

Experts stress the importance of targeted interventions during adolescence to disrupt this cycle and mitigate long-term consequences.

The repercussions of childhood sexual violence can be severe and enduring.

Survivors often face heightened risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation, mental health issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

The trauma may be further compounded when children delay reporting or choose to remain silent about their experiences.

Report Highlights Childhood Sexual Violence Impact on Boys, Affecting 1 in 11 Globally

Although the report focuses primarily on girls and women, UNICEF’s findings also highlight the significant impact of childhood sexual violence on boys and men.

It is estimated that 240 to 310 million boys and men—roughly 1 in 11—were raped or sexually assaulted during childhood. This figure rises to between 410 and 530 million when non-contact forms of sexual violence are considered.

Despite these alarming statistics, data gaps persist, particularly regarding boys’ experiences and non-contact forms of sexual violence.

UNICEF has called for increased investment in data collection to better understand the full extent of sexual violence against children.

As the world prepares for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, the report underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response.

UNICEF calls for an intensified effort to combat childhood sexual violence through several key actions:

1. Challenging social and cultural norms that enable sexual violence and deter children from seeking help.
2. Equipping children with accurate and age-appropriate information to help them identify and report abuse.
3. Ensuring access to services for victims and survivors, providing justice and healing while preventing further harm.
4. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect children, including regulations within organisations working with children, and investing in systems for implementation.
5. Building robust national data systems to track progress and ensure accountability using international standards like the International Classification of Violence against Children.

UNICEF’s report is based on a comprehensive review of data collected from 120 countries between 2010 and 2022.

While more information is available on girls and women, the report acknowledges gaps in data on boys and non-contact sexual violence, emphasising the need for broader and more consistent global research to inform future policies and interventions.

Hurricane Milton swept across central Florida on 10 October, after making landfall on the state’s west coast the previous evening, causing extensive damage with strong winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes.

The storm initially struck near Siesta Key on 9 October at approximately 8.30 pm EDT (8.30 am Singapore time on 10 October), with winds reaching 195 km/h, classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

As the hurricane continued eastward through Florida, it weakened to a Category 1 storm by early 10 October, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h.

Despite this downgrade, the danger remained high, with severe rainfall and significant storm surges. The hurricane’s eye was about 75 km west-southwest of Cape Canaveral, which houses Nasa’s Space Force Station, at the time.

A flash flood emergency was declared for the Tampa Bay region, covering Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater. The National Hurricane Centre reported that St Petersburg alone experienced 422 mm of rain on 9 October. Authorities warned that seawater could surge as high as 4 metres in certain areas, potentially inundating coastal communities.

Governor Ron DeSantis expressed hope that Tampa Bay would avoid the worst of the storm’s effects due to the timing of landfall before high tide.

However, Milton had already unleashed at least 19 tornadoes across the state, damaging numerous counties and destroying around 125 homes, including many mobile homes. “At this point, it’s too dangerous to evacuate safely, so you have to shelter in place and just hunker down,” Mr DeSantis said during a briefing following the storm’s landfall.

Tragically, at least two fatalities were reported at a retirement community in Fort Pierce on Florida’s eastern coast, following a suspected tornado, as cited by NBC News and St Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson.

The sheriff estimated that approximately 100 homes were destroyed by the tornadoes in the county, which saw about 17 touch down.

The hurricane caused significant power outages, leaving more than two million homes and businesses without electricity, according to data from PowerOutage.us. The storm was projected to move across Florida overnight before entering the Atlantic Ocean on 10 October, still maintaining hurricane strength.

Wow! My cousin sent this to me by a neighbor of his of the tornado that struck Wellington, FL from earlier today. Incredible speed & power that tornado possessed. #HurricaneMilton #flwx pic.twitter.com/QnF8hRQTQo

— Thee 🌪ornadorologist (@tornadorology) October 9, 2024

The arrival of Hurricane Milton comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene battered the southern United States, including Florida. State officials had already ordered the evacuation of up to two million residents ahead of Milton’s impact, with millions more remaining in its path. The cumulative damage from both hurricanes is expected to reach billions of dollars.

Florida’s recovery efforts were bolstered by federal support, with President Joe Biden being briefed on the situation by emergency response teams.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has mobilised significant resources, including millions of litres of water, meals, and personnel, to assist those affected by Milton, even as it continues recovery work following Hurricane Helene.

Governor DeSantis confirmed that 9,000 National Guard personnel and 50,000 utility workers were deployed to aid in clearing debris and restoring power. Search-and-rescue teams were on standby to begin operations as soon as conditions allowed. “It’s going to mean pretty much all the rescues are going to be done in the dark, in the middle of the night, but that’s fine. They’re going to do that,” he added.

Despite these efforts, the damage from Hurricane Milton remains severe. High waves nearing 8.5 metres were recorded offshore, while boats were beached in St Petersburg, adding to the destruction.

Many parts of Florida faced fuel shortages, with almost 25% of petrol stations running dry by the afternoon of 9 October as residents evacuated.

While the human toll is the most pressing concern, other local efforts included protecting animals at Tampa’s zoo, where staff sheltered African elephants, flamingos, and other species.

The zoo joined residents in bracing for the worst, highlighting the widespread impact of the hurricane.

Political Controversy Surrounding Federal Response

The hurricane’s approach has also intensified political disputes, particularly as the US prepares for elections.

President Biden condemned the spread of disinformation regarding the government’s hurricane response, describing it as an attempt to “undermine confidence” in rescue and recovery efforts.

Former President Donald Trump has been critical of the Biden administration’s handling of disaster relief, especially following the impact of Hurricane Helene.

Trump claimed that resources intended for disaster victims had been diverted to assist migrants, a claim which Fema has categorically denied, emphasising that no disaster relief funds were diverted for this purpose.

Fema noted that its Disaster Relief Fund remains separate from budgets designated for migrant assistance.

In a highly charged political climate, these statements have led to further scrutiny of the federal response. Nonetheless, Fema asserts that it has the resources necessary for immediate response and recovery operations following both hurricanes.